Just joined a stat board mid this year as a scholar.

Starting pay: $3850 (1st class hons)

yes, starting in govt is only good if you are a scholar on the fast-track. i'm 35, and my peers who were scholars are either director in civil service, vice principal in schools or LTC in army. if you are non-scholar and willing to work hard for higher increment, go into private sector. i worked really hard for 10 years in my MNC, and now i'm getting close to $200K.

I have about 3.5 years of experience. Offered $44XX by a ministry under MX12 scheme. As I understand there's an overlap between the MX12 and MX11 payscales. How do I request to be placed under MX11 instead?

Are you male with NS or without NS?


Thank you

the MNC which you are currently working for, is it still your 1st job?

do you jump ship before?

even if for me working in my current company for 10 years, even with outstanding performer 'A', my basic salary at most will hit 6.5k-7k(with 4 promotions inclluded) in 10 years, assuming max annual increment of 5% and max promotion increment of 8%

starting pay since fresh grad = 3k, and if I stay in my company for 10 years just like you and work very hard and get the best performance rating, below is what I would get:

3000 x 1.05^10 x 1.08^4 = 6.6k+/mth

Annual would be not more than = $140000

Could you provide more info:
-In which year did you grad from university?
-What class of honors you get?
-NS or without NS?
-Is your 3.5years of exp from private sector?
-What is your basic/annual salary in your last company?


My case:
2nd lower NTU (2007)
Also 3.5 years private sector exp
Apply for an executive position with a ministry
Being offered only $3700/mth (MX12) by this ministry with annual package with abt 15.5mth
Previous basic = $3.4k, Previous annual = $56k

Annual package offer is almost the same as my previous job
I rejected the offer.


I just want to compare why are you been paid so much more even though I put my expected pay $4.3k

anybody can help? I need to give a reply soon. reason I'm asking is because I gather from the posts here that MX12 is sort of an entry level position, and I'm afraid I may be stuck at this level for a while. I would prefer to be place on MX11. Anybody has experience negotiating for a upgrade in MX level? Thanks

Male with NS. Hope I'm not too far off the benchmark.

you can't. the designation of MX is based on your current ability.
and with an entry grade of MX12, it means you'll be in MX 12 for at least 2 years.

If MX13 is the starting grade and you've 3.5 yrs of relevant experience, placing you on MX12 is fair. I doubt HR would place you on MX11, as the existing staff (esp those around your age/experience) will "complain" if they really do so.