Singapore has been ranked 14th in a list of the world’s
friendliest countries, according to a global survey of
expatriates.
The HSBC Expat Explorer surveyed over 3,300 expatriates in over 100
countries. In the initial survey, Singapore, Hong Kong and
the United Arab Emirates came in as the top three overall
scorers.
What impressed expats living in each of these countries were
improved career prospects and high incomes.
However, for the annual report by Forbes magazine on the
friendliest countries, the magazine isolated the survey results to
the ability and success in befriending locals, learning the native
language, integrating with the local community and the assimilating
into the new culture.
That's when it found Singapore fell short in helping expats to feel
at home with the local community. Expats living in Singapore said
that they tend to hang out with fellow expats and were more likely
to send their children to international boarding schools.
So which country topped the list of 31 "friendliest"
countries?
New Zealand scored the highest, with expats raving about the Kiwis’
friendliness and “pitch-in-and-help” mentality that helped expats
to feel welcomed.
The country’s navigable government and good healthcare system were
also draws to expats.
Australia came in second, with South Africa, Canada and the United
States rounding up the top five.
The least friendliest country, according to the Forbes formula, was
the United Arab Emirates.
Other notable entries were the Philippines who ranked 8th, and
Malaysia, who came in at No. 10.
Of the Philippines, the report said, “This country is friendly on
wallets, too: 47% report an increase in access to luxuries,
including domestic staff, swimming pools, and owning
properties.
On Malaysia, it said, “ Many expats here say they have learned the
local language and befriended locals.
Said one respondent, “Malaysia is a peaceful country. Government
transactions like tax, EPF [Employees Provident Fund], are very
efficient. Food is relatively cheap. Also the country is clean and
green and they respect the environment.”
-- Yahoo!
