Most title have a very large range to cater for different situation.
A typical "Associate" pay range can go as low as 3500 to as high as 5500.

If we are looking at a typical "Associate":

1) From a recognized degree (i.e. NTU/NUS) and joined as a Graduate Associate T&O, upon getting "Associate" you should get about 4500-4800 which is fairly accurate in 2-3 years.

2) From a recognized degree (i.e. NTU/NUS) and joined as normal staff, upon getting "Associate" you should get about 4200-4500 which is fairly accurate in 2-3 years.

3) From a "not recognized degree" and joined as normal staff, upon getting "Associate" you should get about 3800-4500 which is fairly accurate in 2-4 years.

As you climb up higher, it really depends more on performance and politics.