Anyway the Straits times said the average pay was $3040. Not $3500. Can we have a poll? Is $3040 in today's cost of living enough for you to live VERY COMFORTABLY? Pls give your comments. Btw, starting pay doesn't mean your next year pay will automatically go up. Starting pay can also mean it might be your highest pay in many years to come. Not to think so is naive and inmature. There are only 2 guarantees in life; death and taxes. Salary is never guaranteed to go up automatically.