Very complete input. Just to add some points for who are still coming to Singapore and work as Doctor.
1. There is NO WAY you can get full registration in Singapore, be it Specialist or whatever in UK/USA/Australia. I worked here as Resident Physician for over 7 years, still not fully registered. That means no hope for those try to settle in Singapore. Those aiming for short term stay - pay is not bad, around S$ 4000 as basic to start of as Medical Officer.
2. Work enviroment - Supervisors review are very VERY bias. They thought locally trained are best but reality is a joke. I have 2 local diplomas while I working here. If you do better than them - jellous you & attack you like crows (According to my experience here over 7 years in 4 hospitals).
3. Work Life - over stretched. short of man power at all time. Prepare yourself to work 60 -80 hours a week. Very demanding as well. Night duty/long duty start at today 830am and you only can knock off tomorrow 1230pm if you are lucky, otherwise end up going back 4-5pm next day. No official off day after long duty.
4. For training - They may say training, but end up with work for all time. No proper training. Supervising is in your dream but prepare for yourself to be blamed if something wrong.
5. Language - perpare yourself to be Mandarin/Hokkian efficient. Even among local docotrs - they perfer to speak in those langauages rather than English, not only patients. On the top of that you should be able to speak basic Malay and Tamil. That will give you good start.
6. Living Cost - If you stay in one room rental is about 700S$ (not whole flat)(as of current marlet rate) - you only will have one small bedroom (10x 12 feet)with common toilet. If you want to rent a whole flat about 70 sq meter flat - is about S$2000 and above depends on location. For meals - if you eat cheapest one - cost you about S$5 plus including drink. Most of rental room here not allow to cook your meal. No way of buying own car here - toyota altis like japanese can cause you around 90-100KS$ which is only can use for 10years. plus so called
ERP (road pricing gantry) are everywhere.
7. Discrimination against foreign trained - whereever you trained before(including UK/USA), you will get this treatment. If you keen to work in Singapore, prepare yourself mentally before you come. This is culture here.
Recommendation:
1. Good for doctors from third world countries where pay is lower than Singapore.
2. Good fot those who intended to stay for short term.
3. Good for who can work 60-80 hours a week persistently
4. Good for junior/school leaver to earn some ecperience before settle in USA/UK/Australia.
My personal opinion - Australia is the best choice as work-life balance