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CNA
a day ago
- CNA
The truth about work-life balance in Europe, as told by Singaporean expats
Fresh into his first office job in France in 2024, Mr Ruzaini Mazani was all set to reply to a sales lead right away. However, his manager advised the opposite: play it cool and let the prospect wait. "I really couldn't wrap my head around it, but the Asian in me didn't want to ask why because I didn't want to be rude," the 37-year-old told CNA TODAY. "With time, I realised that being the eager beaver really annoys the French people because they like to work at their own pace. That was the sort of culture shock I had for several months." Such surprises come with the territory for Singaporeans navigating corporate life in Europe, even if they don't share these moments on their social media accounts alongside their picture-perfect studio apartments and the ski trips they take. CNA TODAY takes a look at the lives of Singaporean millennials who have moved to the region renowned for its work-life balance, and how they have adjusted to an unfamiliar work culture, grappled with loneliness and navigated safety concerns. Former television host Sharon Au, for instance, famously recounted her experience when she relocated in 2018 to the French capital of Paris, where she was ticked off twice by human resource personnel for sending work messages outside office hours and not leaving the office by 6pm. In an interview in 2019, the Singaporean also said that she had thought of dipping her toes into a cafe business but realised that the labour law in France was very strict about hiring and firing people and "disadvantageous … especially if you were a foreigner". In 2020, she had to cope with the trauma after burglars broke into her apartment that she shared with her pet cat. For some of the Singaporeans who spoke to CNA TODAY, just settling into a new job in Europe can be a headache at first. Ms Magdalene Huang, for example, pursued her goal of working and living in Sweden after she spent a year in Stockholm as part of the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme. After graduation, she relentlessly applied for jobs there while working in Singapore. It was during her stint at a FAANG company – one of the major American technology giants such as Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix or Google – that her resume finally caught the attention of a financial services firm. Working for a globally recognised brand gave her the visibility she needed to break into the overseas market. "Even though I spent four years pursuing this goal, I was undecided when I finally got the offer because the thought of leaving home was so painful. But if I didn't do it when I was 27, I would become even more afraid to do it in my 30s,' the 30-year-old recalled. After accepting the offer in October 2020, she spent the next four months preparing for the big move. As with most relocation packages, the firm hiring her sponsored her visa, moving expenses and one month's rent. How employers handle this varies: some offer a lump sum, others reimburse you after the move. If it is a reimbursement, you will need lots of savings. Ms Luah Xiao Wen, a 30-year-old who has worked for a pharmaceutical firm in Copenhagen for two years now, said: "It's the norm across Denmark to pay three to six months' worth of rent upfront. So if you rented a S$5,000 apartment, you may need to pay up to S$30,000 in one sitting." Most employees are assigned an agent to help with house-hunting and typically choose a place near the office. For Ms Atikah Amalina, a 34-year-old FAANG employee based in England, she had to weigh other factors as well. "In Singapore, we don't really have a 'concept' of crime, but in London, it can get quite unsafe depending on the area where you live. Because I wear the hijab (headdress), that was a really important consideration for me," she said. After checking with friends who live in London about the neighbourhood she was eyeing, Ms Atikah signed the lease with peace of mind and moved there in 2022 with her two rescue cats, then aged one and two. "They make living alone a little less lonely, even though they are annoying sometimes." After settling in, the expats began to see why Europe's work culture enjoys such a glowing reputation. For starters, the number of annual leave days could go up to 30. "When I was in Singapore, I had to calculate the number of days I could take and maximise them with the weekends. Here, I don't even have to think twice about taking time off," Ms Huang said. "I use many of my leave days to go back to Singapore, which is ironic since I was always trying to get out of the country in the past." Benefits for working parents are not too shabby either, with at least 16 months of paid parental leave to be shared between both parents in Sweden. Ms Luah said that it is a Danish tradition for fathers to accompany their children on their first day of school. At Mr Ruzaini's former company in France, mothers could even opt for a "half-time" arrangement, halving their number of work hours for 80 per cent of their pay. It is not just companies that promote work-life balance; the law also protects it. In France, it is illegal to work while on medical leave. In the United Kingdom, employees are legally entitled to request flexible work arrangements. Being able to start and end their workday earlier means that working parents can pick up their children from daycare or school and employees have time to slow down and recharge. "I think that's what makes working in Sweden feel so 'breathable'. After I get home from work, I'm not drained. I still have the energy to cook and do other things," Ms Huang said. As trust runs deep in workplace cultures, managers act more like peers than figures of authority, giving employees greater agency over their work. Ms Atikah said: "I find working in London gives me more autonomy and empowerment to lead and own projects, compared to more hierarchical structures in Singapore.' GROWING PAINS OF A NEW LIFE With that said, having more autonomy at work was not something they got used to instantly. The laissez-faire approach is a clear departure for those accustomed to structured environments in Singapore. With greater freedom also comes the expectation to speak up, raise issues or problems and tackle them head-on, which can be daunting for those who shy away from confrontation. "In Singapore, you wait for your appraisal to make your points and maybe get someone else to back you up. But there was no such thing there," Mr Ruzaini said. When he felt uncomfortable raising concerns about his job scope, he suffered in silence for two months until his manager eventually noticed and asked what was wrong. Cultural differences can also hinder the exchange of feedback. When working with her British counterparts, Ms Atikah sometimes struggles to gauge how her work is being received because their comments tend to be polite. Similarly, Ms Luah observed that the encouraging work environment in Denmark – where people are generally pleasant – sometimes makes it harder to get constructive criticism. Even Europe's celebrated employee welfare systems are not without their downsides. In France, the emphasis on work-life balance contributes to longer tenures, which can slow career progression or make switching paths harder for younger professionals. In Sweden, strong job security backed by legislation and unions means that performance issues are handled with extra caution. "It makes corporate life less efficient, but it does protect people. So I'm a bit conflicted," Ms Huang said. "But I think I hold this view because I can return to a 'rich' country if I'm fired, which isn't the case for employees who may have to return to war-torn countries or places with fewer opportunities." Outside the office, the expats learned to navigate the trade-offs that come with a laid-back way of life. When the elevator in Mr Ruzaini's apartment block broke down, older residents were cooped up at home for three weeks before repairs finally began. In Denmark, where shops often close as early as 5pm, Ms Luah found herself missing the conveniences of Singapore such as the ease of grabbing a late-night bite. "It's give and take. You want work-life balance, but so does everyone else," she said. Living in Sweden for nearly four years has likewise deepened Ms Huang's appreciation for Singapore's healthcare systems. In part due to the long waits and language barrier, her visits to the doctor have left much to be desired. "Most of the doctors cannot speak English and they just seem to prescribe paracetamol for everything. Sometimes, it is frustrating when I cannot get the help I need," she said. She added that in Sweden, commuting to work costs about five times more than in Singapore. The high cost of living, coupled with steep taxes and rent, can sometimes offset any pay bump that comes with a job offer in Europe. All things considered, Ms Huang admitted that she would have been better off financially in Singapore, with Central Provident Fund contributions and no rent to pay while living with her parents. "At the end of the day, you have to remember why you chose to work abroad. If you are not ready to give up wealth accumulation, I would suggest staying put in Singapore because it is a place that supports financial growth," she advised. Being far from family is also a lonely experience. When a loved one fell ill back home, Ms Atikah felt helpless, able to do little more than send care packages. During Hari Raya this year, Mr Ruzaini came to the bittersweet realisation again that he had missed out on his sister's teenage years. This sense of isolation can feel more pronounced in Scandinavia, where people tend to be reserved and the clear divide between work and personal life means that colleagues rarely become friends. Long winters further dampen the desire to socialise and can trigger seasonal blues. During this time, even the simple routine of heading home after work serves as a stark reminder to Ms Huang that she is alone and far from home. "In Singapore, there are people on the streets and it's noisy in a comforting way. When I go home here, it's sometimes silent and completely dark." NOT THE SAME PERSON WHO LEFT With so much downtime and so few connections, the expats were forced to reflect on who they are outside of work – something they rarely had to consider when life in Singapore revolved almost entirely around their jobs. For Ms Luah, who worked such long hours previously in Singapore that her life was "pretty much planned" out for her, she had to think about what leisure means and how to fill her days with greater purpose. "Now I'm forced to think about how to spend my time. Should I doom-scroll on social media or do something constructive? "I think it's very healthy for you to understand your relationship with the world and learn how you want to shape your life. It does help you to become someone with more agency." Living abroad also provided a professional reset. Ms Luah realised that the Asian mindset of crossing every "t" and dotting every '"i" may not always pay off in the West. Hard work goes hand in hand with opportunity and honing soft skills such as networking is just as important. "It helped me to understand that there are many ways to reach your aspirations," she added. For some of the expats, their experiences have prompted a rethink of the Singaporean blueprint for success. By observing her colleagues, Ms Atikah began to discover other definitions of a life well-lived, such as raising children in a suburban home with a garden and trampoline, and spending weekends with them at the beach. 'There is more visibility of people choosing other ways of life here and that makes me realise there are different ways of being successful," she said. For others, this shuffle in priorities can bring unexpected tension. Back in Singapore, Ms Huang always had her eyes set on the next promotion at work. These days, her mind drifts to upcoming snowboarding trips and summer holidays, and she is still figuring out how to balance her drive to have a successful career with a slower pace of life. "In school and at work, I used to try and outdo myself every year. Now I just chill with whatever comes and I don't know how to feel about that. Why do I feel like I'm being lazy?" Naturally, the thought of readjusting to life in Singapore can be an unsettling one. Mr Ruzaini believes that time away from the "rat race" has given him the self-awareness and confidence to chart his own course, rather than simply going with the flow. However, four years into life in France, he admitted that it still did not quite feel like home. "When the time comes, we will move back to Singapore in a heartbeat. It's still my homeland and I still want to retire and be buried there." Ms Luah, on the other hand, sees herself returning if she becomes a parent one day, so that her children can be part of Singapore's school system, which she holds in high regard. She credited its strong emphasis on bilingualism for opening doors in both her and her husband's careers. She also said that the education system has its merits despite being much-criticised for its over-emphasis on academic achievements and students having unhealthy and high levels of stress. "Competition will always be there, but it gives you a sense of where you stand among your peers. If you can come to terms with what you are not good at early in life, you can move on to other options," she added. For Ms Huang, fulfilling her dream of working in Sweden has led to deeper reflection, pondering questions that her younger self never considered, including the broader impact of her work. "Sometimes, when I'm working, I wonder who I am serving. If I'm solving problems, I want to solve them for Singaporeans. If I have to pay taxes, I want them to go to my people," she said. Ultimately, she sees that there are two types of Singaporeans who move abroad: Those who cannot wait to get out, and those who move because an opportunity arises and end up seeing Singapore in a new light.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Free meals clause in Bukit Canberra hawker contracts will be removed from renewed tenancy agreements
SINGAPORE: The clauses requiring Bukit Canberra hawkers to provide free meals will be removed when their tenancy agreements are renewed in September, the operator said on Friday (Aug 15). In a post on Facebook, Canopy Hawkers Group said it has 'heard the feedback and concerns" that have been raised. A 2024 version of the contract seen by CNA states that a stall tenant 'shall participate' in the pay-it-forward programme 'as implemented and/or directed by the company', requiring them to set aside 100 meals at their own cost for the scheme. Lawyers told CNA on Thursday that the wording of the clause in the existing contracts, particularly the use of the word 'shall', suggested that tenants are legally obligated to participate in the scheme. Canopy Hawkers Group previously said that it initially included the clause because the tenants were selected based on their willingness to participate in the pay-it-forward programme. 'At that time, we felt it was important to include the commitment as a clause in the tenancy agreement because other hawkers had lost out on securing a stall based on, among other things, this commitment,' the operator said in its Facebook post on Friday. Acknowledging again that participation in charitable causes should be voluntary, the operator said: 'But given the circumstances, we saw the arrangement as one that balanced both the voluntary involvement with the fulfillment of their promises.' Some hawkers had shared that they may not be able to fulfill their commitments 'even though they would have liked to, if their circumstances had been better', said Canopy Hawkers Group in the Facebook post. The operator also said it learned that the meal assistance programme running in the constituency where Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre is located relies on voluntary contributions from patrons, not hawkers. 'We therefore decided to hold back on implementing the 'Pay-It-Forward' initiative, and may decide not to proceed based on the current concept,' the operator said. This is why no hawkers have been penalised for not providing free meals under the tenancy agreements and the management does not intend to enforce the obligation in the future, it said in its post. 'This is a commitment we are making publicly.' The operator also addressed the interest in budget meals provided at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, which it noted was different from the programme meant to provide free meals to customers in need. 'To provide residents with a range of offerings at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, we work with our hawkers to offer food options at different price points. This includes more affordable value meals,' it said in its post on Friday. 'These value meals do not form a large part of the meals sold, and our hawkers are not expected to make a loss selling value meals.' Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre is one of several social enterprise hawker centres in Singapore. In 2024, then-Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon said that all social enterprise hawker centre operators must propose ways to ensure affordable food options are available as part of their tender proposals. "So far operators have committed that all stalls in their centres will provide at least one value meal option. This is not an attempt to force hawkers to sell all of their dishes at low prices,' he had said at the time.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
JB car wash firms favouring Singapore cars? Here's what operators, motorists say
JOHOR BAHRU: A few weeks ago, Malaysian Arvint Mariappan pulled up his red Perodua Aruz into a car wash less than 2km from his home in Johor Bahru, only to be told by workers that the outlet does not service locally-registered cars. Arvint was told that the enterprise, which is located near KSL City Mall, served only cars with a Singapore licence plate. The mall is a 10-minute drive from the Johor Bahru checkpoint. 'I U-turned and went to find another car wash (outlet) instead,' the 23-year-old told CNA. 'It's frustrating too. Then our (local) cars - regardless of whether they are big or small - they cannot be washed? They only take Singapore-registered cars, maybe because they pay more,' he alleged. Dozens of car wash operators in Johor Bahru, particularly those located within a close radius to the Causeway, are typically popular among Singapore drivers who frequently travel across the border to do groceries and other retail shopping to stretch their dollar. However in recent weeks, local media have reported on a viral social media post by a Malaysian driver who was reportedly shunned at a car wash outlet in Johor Bahru in favour of Singapore cars. Such instances have prompted the Johor Bahru municipal council (MBJB) to step up enforcement against these businesses, with the city's mayor Mohd Haffiz Ahmad pledging that car wash operators that engage in such discriminatory practices will have their licences revoked. MBJB has since also categorised car wash firms as a 'high-risk' business, which Haffiz explained constituted stricter requirements on adhering to environmental pollution regulations and ensuring that their workers comply with immigration laws. Following this, Johor Bahru car wash operators whom CNA spoke to acknowledge that the recent developments would trigger higher scrutiny on their businesses and they are bracing for more stringent checks. These businesses told CNA that they have been and are willing to comply with all regulations set by the authorities. They also denied giving preferential treatment to customers based on their car plates. However, some operators voiced concern that amid the rising costs of doing business, it is their prerogative to maximise profits by prioritising customers who are willing to engage more elaborate services like waxing and polishing during peak hour periods - during evenings and weekends. Manager of RAS car wash Rofik Munshi said that he 'welcomes' more checks by the authorities, stressing that his firm serves every customer equally. 'We do not differentiate customers based on their nationality, and we will serve everybody the same way … But in reality, we, like many other businesses, are facing rising costs. 'So during peak rush hour where there are too many customers, I can understand why some car wash prioritise customers who opt for more expensive services like water wax, polishing, as this would (yield) higher profits for labour,' said the Bangladeshi national who has been working in Malaysia for almost two decades. CNA has reached out to MBJB for comment. PRIORITISING CUSTOMERS WILLING TO PAY MORE Six car wash operators whom CNA spoke to in Johor Bahru stressed that they are open to stricter enforcement because they claim to adhere to regulations stipulated by MBJB. They maintained that there is no price discrepancy between local and foreign cars, that their foreign workers adhere to Malaysia's immigration regulations and that they take special precautions to prevent chemical pollution, in line with the framework stipulated by MBJB. One operator Legend Car Wash, which is located near B Point - a small retail arcade close to the Causeway - told CNA that it supports the government's efforts to clamp down on car wash operators which do not adhere to regulations. Legend Car Wash manager Ramesh D Ponnayah said: 'We serve everyone, regardless of nationality, whichever licence plate and our prices are listed and fixed.' He added that the area was designated for car wash business - with proper drainage system. Its workers are also mostly local Malaysians, and the foreign workers quota is in line with government regulations. Malaysia has a total cap of foreign workers quota at 2.5 million, and firms in the services sector can hire a maximum of 35 per cent of foreign workers as a proportion of its total workforce. 'There are some (car wash outlets) that are unlicensed. They operate in residential areas, and they are open 24 hours so this makes people uncomfortable. They are growing in number so the Johor state government should clamp down on them,' said the Malaysian national. According to MBJB published guidelines for car wash operators, these businesses are not allowed inside commercial buildings, residential landed properties or free standing areas. But a handful of businesses stressed that in order to maximise profit and stretch their labour resources during peak hours, some resort to prioritising customers who are willing to engage in more elaborate services - like polishing and waxing both the interior as well as exterior of the car. A normal wash service at these operators typically costs between RM10 and RM20 (between US$2.37 and US$4.74), but waxing or polishing services cost between RM50 and RM300, depending on how extensive the work is. Rofik of RAS Car Wash told CNA that he also welcomes the pledge from MBJB to clamp down on operators who prioritise Singapore-registered cars over local ones. "I think it's not right if companies operating in Malaysia somehow do not serve Malaysian cars … It's right that these (companies) are punished,' he said. A car wash owner operating near KSL City Mall who declined to be identified told CNA that during evenings and weekends when things get busy, his workers are instructed to persuade customers to engage higher cost services as this would enable the business to maximise profits. 'During the day on weekdays when things are less busy, we serve everybody the same. But when things get busy, it makes business sense to prioritise customers who are willing to engage in more elaborate services,' said the owner. 'We don't differentiate between Malaysian and Singaporean drivers, but the norm is that Singapore cars are more willing to engage more services so it might appear that we are favouring Singaporean drivers.' Teh Kee Sin, adviser of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Association of South Johor, told CNA that from a business point of view, it is 'expected' that some small Johor Bahru companies appear to favour Singapore customers. 'Singapore customers have higher disposable income and stronger spending power, especially with the stronger Singapore dollar (against the Malaysia ringgit). If these (car washes) deal with a customer base mostly of Singaporeans, they can earn more per customer and improve (their) cash flow,' said Teh. 'From a business point of view, this is not wrong. Today, costs of doing business are rising, their rents are going up. So if they can find a way to maximise profit and this is by prioritising customers willing to pay more during peak hour, it's understandable,' he added. UNWRITTEN RULE THAT SOME CAR WASH OUTLETS CATER TO SINGAPOREANS: DRIVERS While most car wash operators maintain that there is no differentiation between Singapore or Malaysia customers, drivers whom CNA spoke to acknowledge that there is an unwritten rule that outlets located near the Johor Bahru checkpoint typically cater to Singapore-registered cars. This means that the prices are slightly higher than outlets further away from the city centre and the operators are generally more pushy for drivers to pick more elaborate services in addition to a normal wash. Singaporean Sharizan Mohamed Jalani who drives into Johor Bahru three times a month to do groceries shopping and a car wash told CNA that he patronises these operators because they are conveniently located. 'This place (Legend Car Wash) is close to the CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) and I can park my car here (to wash) and do groceries (shopping) nearby,' said Sharizan, a 40-year-old who is self-employed. Sharizan added that he usually picks the most basic service - a normal car wash which costs RM16. A similar service would cost S$16 in Singapore, he added, which is more than three times the price given the current exchange rate. 'Around 80 to 90 per cent of the cars here are Singapore cars … For me, this is business,' said Sharizan. Meanwhile, some Malaysian drivers whom CNA spoke to said that they would rather drive about 15 to 20 minutes out of the city centre to outlets that cater more to locals. 'Most Johoreans know that the car wash outlets near KSL City Mall or the Causeway are mostly for Singaporeans, the service is less thorough and they always push (persuade) drivers to polish (or to) wax,' said 53-year-old Mohd Yunus Kamal. He added: 'I pay about RM1 to RM2 less at my favourite car wash in Masai (20 minutes drive from city centre) but the service is better.' Teh, the adviser with SME Association of South Johor, told CNA that it is incumbent on each consumer to make decisions based on what they can afford. He added that it was best for market forces to determine the customer demographic for car wash businesses rather than for the authorities to intervene with differentiated prices for locals versus foreign-registered cars. 'It's up to the Malaysian consumer to be smart - look at alternatives and make comparisons and take care of your own bottom line,' said Teh. 'If certain operators cater to Singaporean cars, they should not pay the premium and instead patronise outlets with more local customers.'
