8 in 10 Singaporeans want to try living abroad

Majority of healthcare and tech workers want to work away from home.

More than half (85%) of Singaporeans want to try living outside Singapore, a survey by money transfer service TransferWise revealed. However, only 15% want to migrate for good whilst 50% only like to try living abroad for around five years.

Amongst industries, those working in the healthcare (92%) and tech (91%) sectors have the highest desire to work abroad followed by those in manufacturing (88%). Meanwhile, those in the government (78%) have the least intention to move abroad.

TransferWise thinks that the findings was in line with the government’s vision of internationalising Singapore businesses.

Earlier in 2018, the Enterprise Singapore has been launched to help those who are seeking experiences abroad to be exposed internationally.

“Singaporeans are optimistic about a well-connected world as their vision of the future.” TransferWise head of banking Lukas May said. “As technology continues to make the global movement of people, money and ideas easier, we expect the future landscape of work and life will accelerate in this direction of a more open world.”

Despite having the desire to live abroad, the survey also found that 52% of Singaporeans are also worried about brain drain that could result from increasing migration. In addition 6 and 10 said that they see parting with their loved ones as a consequence to migration.