A blog on my relocation within the Trustmoore Group

by John Haywood (Legal Account Manager)

Hello from Singapore! This blog is a summary of my first month after my move from The Netherlands to Singapore and how Trustmoore supported me through the process. It is easy to reflect on the exciting journey that brought me from The Netherlands to this city-state. It’s been an adventure so far, filled with new work experiences, cultural discoveries, and professional opportunities. I will share my first impressions of Singapore and the reasons why moving here for work has been a rewarding decision.

One of the first things that struck me upon arriving in Singapore is its diversity. People from all corners of the world call this place home, and the vibrant multiculturalness can be felt everywhere. Embracing this environment has allowed me to broaden my perspective and make connections with people from various backgrounds. My previous 25 min office commute by bicycle has been switched with a 20-minute metro ride and then a 5 min walk but the humidity is not to be underestimated. Often, I am stood under the air-conditioning for 5 mins when I first get to the office to cool off.

Singapore's reputation as a global business hub is well-deserved. The work culture in Singapore emphasizes efficiency, innovation, and collaboration, providing an ideal environment to develop and grow both personally and professionally. The government's commitment to attract foreign investment via competitive regulation and attractive legal structures has created a hub for the businesses Trustmoore specializes in.

Efficiency and infrastructure are also great. Here it is noticeable around every corner and is somewhat more organized than the trams and busses of Amsterdam (Although I do miss cycling). Singapore’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, punctual public transportation, well-designed urban spaces and man-made beaches create a buzzing hub. Inovative landscapes offer varying ecosystems you often unearth; you always see modern initiatives nestled alongdise traditional culture which makes Signapre so unique. The seamless integration of technology in everyday life, from cashless payments to smart city initiatives has made my transition into Singaporean society stress free. For example, I could open a bank account online in 3 minutes and then download the multiple apps that you need to get around here which you use to pay for lunch at a Hawker center or local food markets. For lunch, I am slowly getting used to the switch of a broodje kaas or tosti in the Netherlands to rice and noodles (plus a lot more spice) but so far, my new colleagues Desley, Marisa, Marc and Chantal have been great in making me feel right at home by showing me the local delicacies and after-work drinking spots. 

One of the greatest advantages of living in Singapore now, is its proximity to Southeast Asia. Being just a short flight away from destinations like Bali, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur has opened up a world of travel opportunities Weekends can now be used to access neighboring countries; something I did last week when I visited Batam in Indonesia which is just an hour away by ferry. This can be a good option to enjoy some cheap/ yet good food as well as enjoy some beaches and a little less humidity. 

Conclusion:

Moving from the Netherlands to Singapore has been a cool adventure, brimming with new work experiences, personal growth, and exciting opportunities. The multiculturalism, professional prospects, efficiency, and proximity to Southeast Asia make it an enticing destination for anyone seeking a fresh start. I am grateful to Trustmoore for allowing me the chance to live and work in this vibrant and dynamic environment and look forward to the adventures and discoveries that lie ahead. The support from my colleagues in The Netherlands and my new ones in Singapore has made the relocation easy. In the Netherlands, when it came to the seemingly daunting task of relocating, I was fortunate enough to have the invaluable assistance of the People & Culture team, whose expertise and diligent efforts made the entire process a breeze! Not only did they provide seamless support in sorting out crucial matters such as acquiring the necessary visa and meticulously reviewing my contract, but they went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my relocation was handled with utmost care. Of course, I miss my Dutch colleagues who I still enjoy a coffee with over Teams, but looking forward to building new friendships here!