Before and after September 11: Quality of Life of Expatriates in Singapore

Singapore, a cosmopolitan city in the heart of South-East Asia, attracts expatriates from all over the world. This paper discusses the findings of two large-scale surveys, which are conducted before and after the September 11 incident, to assess the quality of life of expatriates who are working and living in Singapore. The expatriatesÌ quality of life is examined in terms of their overall life satisfaction as well as their perception of the importance and satisfaction towards the 20 aspects of life identified for the study. Although the September 11 event has increased expatriatesÌ concerns regarding public safety, especially for the non-Asians, both types of expatriates indicate that they are generally more satisfied with their quality of life in Singapore due in part to a higher provision of public safety, an efficient system of sea and air transportation, a wide range of public utilities, as well as good quality local and foreign education. When compared with their own countries, both types of expatriates are least satisfied with the relatively less vibrant art and culture scene in Singapore. The expatriates also exhibit different needs, lifestyles and concerns which arise as a result of the September 11 incident as well as from their different household attributes. For instance, in the aftermath of the September 11 event, non-Asian expatriates appear to be less satisfied with the information availability and media coverage in Singapore compared to before. On the other hand, the tax incentives to alleviate the effects of the Asian Financial Crisis seem to have increased Asian expatriatesÌ satisfaction with the cost of living in Singapore.