Southeast Asian offices as a European

Question

Hi everyone. I'm a European, currently applying to consulting firms - Tier 1 and Tier 2. I have studied and travelled through SE Asia extensively, know the market and trends, and I would like to know whether it would be possible for me to apply in the region, and if so, at which offices.

I have been told that the Singapore offices only recruit Singaporeans as the country has an incredible rate of people in higher education and that visas are hard to obtain; I know that the Hong Kong offices prefer fluency in Mandarin due to daily interactions with Chinese clients. Does anyone know of any "international" Southeast Asian office - i.e where vernacular language wouldn't be required, similar to Dubai? I dabble in three Asian languages but I'm not anywhere near fluent.

Would appreciate any insights on Southeast Asian/East Asian offices as I feel most questions I've seen so far focus on Europe and the Middle-East.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

Sharing a perspective having worked in SEA.

All offices require / function in English - there will always be a copy of the work in english, although a second version in the local language may be developed also depending on the client context and case needs.

Singapore is the toughest to get into because of employment guidelines set by the government. However other offices also do accept international applicants, especially the ones that are growing and need bodies.

You can try for any of the other offices - stronger case if you have a relevant background for the key industries these places focus on.

Answer 2

Would Australia/New Zealand be Asian enough? Serious question

Answer 3

In Australia there is also the challenge of VISA though...How can you get around it?