BD787,
1. Yes, you can switch to national terms. They will be more than happy with that, and so will alpas.
The negatives to local terms are: no housing, education, gratuity, and signing bonus.
The positives are: If you take up a
PR (permanent Residency) you contribute compulsorily to CPF (Central Provident Fund) tax-free approx $1600 ($900 your contribution, balance from company) every month + a portion of your bonus that are treated as extra wages. click on
www.cpf.gov.sg for more info. Of course, even on expat terms you have the option of enrolling in the SRS (Supplementary Retirement Scheme) wherein you can contribute approx $15000 every year. That amount is tax deductable, but is taxed at a lower rate at withdrawal...a tax deferred scheme of sorts. Google SRS for more info.
Other positives of
PR: Subsidised medical care, govt services, preference for jobs for spouse and family, lower salary requirements for credit cards, lines of credit, convenience of not having to renew status for 10 years, ability to sponsor family on a long-term social visit pass upto 1 year, easier housing loans, etc
2. Training positions are available to all, expats and locals. Given the rate of fleet expansion, the co cannot afford to discriminate. Many expats are in training positions. Other options are Management posts such as MPSD (Mgmt Pilot Special Duties, entry level), FSP (Fleet Safety Pilot), and possibly even upto ACP (Assistant Chief Pilot). Beyond that you need to be a citizen.
You can also contribute in alpas (pilots association) as an expat rep dealing with all expat issues. You can be nominated to the Executive Council.
3. Singapore ATPL. Other Licenses your responsibilty.
4. When push comes to shove, local or expat, if you've been a naughty boy, in a crisis requiring layoffs, you will get "retrenched" (laid off) with benefits. There is no advantage to being local or expat in this regard.
5. No way around the bond.
Importing cars not worth the hassle. You end up paying a lot in taxes, equating to what you'd pay to buy locally.
Now, about the six pack....