speedtwoten
It is correct that initially you will get a CAAS CPL "automatically" for your ATPL issued elsewhere, subject to passing Air Law etc.
Do not slam SIA or SIA Cargo for not giving you (paid) time off or money to do a full ATPL course. What airline will pay you for time off or reimburse you for such courses? It is also your responsibility to do the necessary research and check if you qualify for a faster way to the ATPL.
You may not know the following (not so well known) information because you either did not ask more questions or weren't interested in the job.
From your hours and ratings you are also eligible to sit for a CAAS Special Assessment Paper, comprising 50 questions in only ONE paper, and that will allow you to convert an FAA ATPL (if you have one) to a Singapore ATPL.
I do not know if an ATPL from elsewhere is recognised for such a conversion.
Not everyone in SIA who interviews you will know of this "secret". It is also not their job scope to know all the little tricks of the (licensing) trade.
So here we go.
It has been done before, this conversion of an FAA ATPL to a Singapore ATPL by way of a Special Assessment Paper, comprising 50 questions in ONE paper.
In fact such a conversion by CAAS of an FAA ATPL to a Singapore ATPL in 1995 (eleven years ago) is recorded (forever) in this accident report:
http://www.aviationnow.com/media/pdf/ntsbmi185.pdf
see Page 17 of 49.
The fees for this examination is also spelt out in Paragraph 12j the Singapore Air Navigation Order:
http://appserver2.caas.gov.sg/CAASAp...TION_ORDER.htm
So, it means that this conversion can be done, subject to meeting other conditions.
The bottom line is, if your prospective employer makes out a case that they WANT to employ you as a captain, and you have the necessary hours and type experience, then CAAS will normally facilitate the conversion of a foreign ATPL via a faster method (compared to going to school or self studying, and doing the full ATPL exam).
Of course if you fail the CAAS Special Assessment Paper, then just too bad. No ATPL for you.