OFW Guide: How to maximise your experience in Singapore

Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is a chance of a lifetime opportunity that fosters both professional and individual growth. Millions of Filipinos travel overseas in search of employment, the OFW population is crucial to the economy of the nation, generating remittances that increase GDP and sustain families back home. Working abroad is a big milestone for Filipino which is why in this blog, we will list out various steps to ensure OFW maximise their experience abroad.

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1. Research and Plan

Before embarking on your OFW journey, gather information and research potential job opportunities thoroughly. Consider factors like the country's cost of living, job market conditions, and cultural differences. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore are among the top destinations for OFWs, with the highest numbers of deployed workers. Within our own internal research, we recommend OFW to work in Singapore or Taiwan due to attractive benefits that each country entails. 
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Find out why Singapore is attractive to OFW here.
Find out why Taiwan is attractive to OFW here.

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2. Invest in your own skill development

Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for long-term success as an OFW. Statistics show that a significant number of OFWs are employed in service, production, and professional, technical, and related occupations. To maximize your earning potential and career growth, consider investing in training programs that enhance your expertise and qualifications. If you wish to pursue a career in Singapore, it is recommended to take up postgraduate diploma program to enhance your capabilities and showcase to potential employers your skillsets. For Taiwan, there are many Master’s and PhD qualifications you can pursue to enhance your employability in the Taiwan Market. Find out the available programs you can pursue here. 

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3. Seek new social connections and networking opportunities

Building a strong support network is vital for thriving as an OFW. Engage with fellow OFWs and join community organizations to foster a sense of kinship and mutual support, this will help OFW to feel less homesick. According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), there are numerous OFW organizations across different countries, providing a platform for networking, cultural exchange, and assistance. For example, OFW can spend their free time playing basketball or meeting OFW group for a nice dinner. This will help you to preserve your cultural identity and adapt to this new environment with other like-minded individuals.

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4. Embrace Financial Literacy

Managing finances wisely is essential for maximizing your OFW experience. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that personal remittances from OFWs reached a record high in recent years, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and responsibility.

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Create a budget to track your expenses, set aside savings for emergencies and future investments, and explore options for sending money back home through reliable remittance channels to avoid unnecessary fees. Even though Taiwan and Singapore generally have lower cost of living as compared to countries like Australia and Canada. It is important to not overspend abroad to ensure that the money made can sustain your lifestyle while supporting your family who are still in the Philippines.

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In Conclusion

Working abroad is a great opportunity to create the perfect future you envision for yourself and for your family. Focus on upgrading your skillset and qualifications to ensure that your future is protected abroad. It is also important to ensure healthy financial planning to ensure the money you save can be invested for the future. 

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If you wish to find out how you are able to work abroad, Simply speak to one of our consultants to kickstart your journey by scheduling an appointment here.

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Disclaimer: All information is true as of time of publish in 2023, information and data may change beyond this date. For most updated information, always refer to relevant site before making decisions. Kenneth & Co disclaims any liability for any harm caused by using the information provided.