James shares his experience of living and working in Singapore, his tips for things to see and do in the area and how you can connect with the local ICAS community in Singapore.
James Kirchheimer CA
What’s your day job?
I am currently working as Chief of Staff for Prudential Regional CEO.
How long have you lived in Singapore?
I have been living in Singapore for a little over 2 years.
Where was home for you before?
Before moving to Singapore, I was in Jakarta for four years and I was based in Hong Kong before that.
Where did you train as a CA?
I trained at EY in London.
What was it about Singapore that made you want to come here?
I was excited to come to Singapore because of its diversity of cultures and communities, together with its status as a hub for business and innovation in the region.
Which part of Singapore do you call home?
I live in Tanglin – it's a friendly community and home to several parks and green spaces, including the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage site) as well as being close to many amenities.
What’s the one thing I shouldn’t miss if visiting the area?
Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's most iconic attractions, embodying the city's vision of transforming into a "City in a Garden." The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest house stunning displays and Satay by the Bay is a fantastic spot to enjoy authentic local dishes hawker-style, while taking in the waterfront views.
I’m new to the area, can you recommend somewhere for:
• A business lunch: food is taken extremely seriously in Singapore and great restaurants can be found to suit any location and any budget! My personal favourite is Summer Pavilion, which serves traditional Cantonese cuisine in a stylish setting (complete with private rooms for those who need more privacy).
• An evening out: For an evening out, you should start with a drink at Lantern Bar on the rooftop of the Fullerton Bay Hotel. It's a lovely place to watch the sun go down over the bay.
• A weekend getaway: For a weekend getaway, the world is your oyster. If you want to stay in Singapore then Sentosa Island has something of a resort feel. However, one of the great features of Singapore is that it is a gateway to so much of Asia that a weekend is enough time to really start exploring.
Describe the local professional community in three words.
Ambitious, innovative, and collaborative.
What are the best things about living and working in Singapore?
Singapore's combination of high quality of life, economic opportunities, excellent infrastructure and security, and brilliant location makes it a great place to live and work.
What are the biggest challenges?
The high cost of living.
What made you decide to get involved and become an ICAS Ambassador?
I have only recently taken on the role of ICAS Ambassador in Singapore. I decided to become an ICAS Ambassador because I wanted to contribute to the professional community and help support ICAS in building stronger links to the institute with those who have moved overseas.
What advice would you give to another CA considering an opportunity in Singapore?
My advice would be to give it a go! There is something for everyone here and if you are open to new experiences, there is a wealth of opportunities.
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