"A wise one. I do like research (teaching is so-so), but combining it with consultancy projects will broaden my knowledge on the field (rather than say...just working on one project as a research fellow for 3 years!). Unfortunately, it is often either one or the other. In Sg, is it difficult to move to academia after working for several years in industry(while keep writing papers during these years)? "

I do not know how easy or tough it is to get into academia in Civil Engineering in Singapore. Clearly, in industry, people do not care about publications unless you are in some RnD lab. So you should be able to choose a path. You cant have everything. It seems you want a little of everything. Choose what your top priority is. If you want research, forget about permanent positions and money for now. If you want to be set and relaxed, take a job in Industry.

I Know that getting tenure-track jobs in CS is tough. I cant comment on Civil. I do not see any point in doing Research Fellow job unless u want to end up in Academia or you did not have any other options. Getting Research Fellow in Singapore is not tough in my opinion. But it is not worth it unless it results in a academic positions. Whats the point of doing RF in SG if u will be forced to look outside SG for faculty jobs.

I did phd in cs in singapore and joined industry. I do not have any interest in postdoc/academia. I also dont think I would have got anything in academia. So, in my view Clarity of goals is important. Confusion is bad. Be clear about what you want in the long run.

I suggest if u are considering postdoc, dont come to Singapore. Your choices will be limited again. If you are decided on Industry, its ok to work anywhere.