Thanks and I am reading that thread now.
I am mentally prepared for 10 - 15% paycut so that is okay with me.

Hi guys!

I'm currently exploring the possibility of joining the Commercial Affairs Department as a Commercial Affairs Officer (CAO). I would like to know more about the career progression and pay structure of a CAO. (e.g. how is the pay rise like each year. Is there a point where most people's pay 'freezes' and if there is where that might be (assuming regular work performance, i'm not referring to an extraordinary performer or a scholar)...)

I apologize for sounding so clueless, but I've tried searching online and I can't seem to find much info about it. Would really appreciate if anyone can offer some advice or thoughts!

To offer a little background abt myself: I'm studying acct in a local uni and am contemplating whether I should enter commercial firms (e.g. audit) or head to the govt sector.

Thanks in advance!

Spend three to five years in the private sectors before joining govt sector to retire. You should "pia" when you are a young school leaver. If you make it in private sector, good for you. Can risk and work hard while you have no commitment. Once married, and have kids, govt sector will offer you better work life balance.

Hope someone on this board can help. I'm considering moving to Singapore - been living in HK for the past 9 years and getting far too sick (physically and mentally) of the pollution etc.
I'm a NZ-trained teacher with 12 years experience, have 2 degrees (Business and Science), PGDE, TESOL and am 1/2 through doing my Masters (distance learning). I'm experienced in teaching IB mathematics (and can also teach IB business and psychology) and, as well, EAL.
I looked on the ministry of education website and it has an application form for foreign teachers which is all fine except it asks expected salary - an oddity imo as surely, being a govt org, this is based on quals & xp. I've tried hunting down the pay scale + increment (which is easily found for HK & NZ teachers) but have had no luck, other than the starting salary.
What should I put down? I don't want to put too low and cheat myself; nor too high and scare them off!
Thanks in advance

Just to share:

Not scholar, Grad from NUS 2007

Join private sector in 2007
2007 - $2400/-
2008 - $2600/-
2008 - $3100/- + Allowance $1300/- (Change Company)
2009 - $3100/- + Allowance $1300/-
2010 - $3100/- + Allowance $1300/-
2011 - $4000/- + Allowance $1300/-
2012 - $4600/- + Allowance $1300/-

But every year bonus including AWS is average 1.5mths only.

Compared to you guys in the public sector I think you guys are doing better than me.

May i clarify something?
After the change in company in 2008, does your $3,100 include the allowance? All in all, did you receive $3100 or $4400 (in 2008)? I'm guessing it's $3100 am i right?

And i'm really disturbed that most people here are really more concerned of their pay than forumers giving them philosophy talks about ideals of public service. Though the thread is on pay issues, i believe civil servants have an unwritten duty to see what other people says of them. And this is potentially something wrong with the pay system.

But i shall not direct criticism to policies makers. In fact, SAF should get the most flame if any. The organisation which burns money, talk about duty of protecting nation and sacrificing one self, is ironically drawing the highest salary in public service. With no qualms paying a major $8k to do non-existent paper work 'proposal', and organise events like 'family day' for promotions, the same organisation is 'unable' to lower their defence budget, nor reimburse all guys who sacrifice 2 years of their lives doing NS monetary compensation.
Food for thought.

Honestly, do you guys even feel guilty slacking in office all day, or busy doing work that is unnecessary, repeating paper work, and getting above average salaries?

HONESTLY, please look at your family, go to coffeeshop and think about it. Think about it REAL hard.

I don't expect any changes. But public will be contented if we know civil servants are still humans after all instead of money chasers we see all over here.

Is it true that when a 2nd upper or first class honors fresh graduate (non-scholar) join the civil service or stat board, they are already pre-destined to be on the management track, i.e. groomed to be future management in the organisation? As compared to their peers who are less academically inclined who probably (pardon me i'm not sure) takes a longer time to reach management roles in the civil service or stat board.

2nd upper I don't think you are on that track. You will be surprised how many students have 2nd upper and in fact, most ministries take in 2nd lower/2nd upper.

However. If you have first class, things are different. You so called "rated potential" will be higher and you get to go for promotion course like assistant manager course much faster. After all, how many first class will join civil service?

definitely not true. 1st class/2nd upper local grads are the same, and have the same lower CEP than scholars. in fact 1st class/2nd upper local grads make up the bulk of the MX officers in the policy divisions in the ministries, and HR usually would not consider 2nd lower n below. the adv of 1st class grads is that they have a higher starting salary, thats all.

Bro, do have 12-14 hours work day?

Do you take conf call from 10-12 mid nite at least 5 times a month, have bosses calling you 9pm at night , 8am in the morning? On 16 hours shift because when you finished work, your HQ in Europe just start theirs? Skip a heartbeat when your black berry starts blinking red?

In the private sector, you are paid to slog.