Foreign engineer's work stint in Singapore sparks mixed reactions online

A young engineer's move to Singapore under a rotational work programme has sparked debate online, after her TikTok documenting the experience went viral.

TikTok user @theshelbyolson shared that she is part of a two-year programme run by her company that places fresh graduates on overseas stints to gain industry experience. She was posted here along with five others.

The graduates, trained in disciplines such as mechanical, chemical and biochemical engineering, will rotate across different roles and locations - with Singapore being one of the stops.

In her videos, she shared her excitement about relocating, settling into life here, and her first day at work.

The clips - which show her trying local food and adjusting to Singapore's walking culture - have drawn plenty of attention. One video of her first day at work has racked up more than 155,000 views and over 4,000 likes.

Filming from an overhead bridge, she remarked: "I've been adjusting a lot to the new ways of life in Singapore, especially walking everywhere, which I actually enjoy."

TikTok post ignites discussion on job market

The post on her first day of work received more than 300 comments. Many welcomed her to Singapore, congratulating her on the milestone and offering food recommendations and travel tips.

"Welcome to Singapore. Don't forget to take short trips around the region to make full use of your tenure here. Flights are affordable!" suggested one user.

"Welcome, enjoy the walks and enjoy the food!" said another.

However, not all responses were positive.

When one of the clips was shared in a post on subreddit r/SgRabak, the title asked: "What do these people have that our local fresh graduates lack?"

Some netizens expressed frustration, pointing to the tough job market for local grads.

"The point is that a role in a Singapore branch could have been filled by a local, a fresh graduate," one user commented.

Others, however, offered a more balanced view, pointing out that hiring decisions are shaped by company policies and government frameworks rather than individual employees.

"Don't divert the topic, they are not angry with foreigners but the policymakers who make things difficult for locals," one user explained.

Another netizen defended the influencer's presence in Singapore: "Maybe there's a Singaporean in their company on rotation to their country? Do you want that Singaporean to receive the same hate by the locals?

"These people are excited about Singapore and seem very respectful and grateful to be here. These are the types of foreigners we welcome."

On TikTok, one commenter encouraged her to "ignore the haters".

"As a Singapore Mechanical Engineer graduate, I support companies that believe in talent development and rotational programs or careers that are borderless," they said.

To this, theshelbyolson replied: "Thank you. I'm learning a lot and I am very grateful for this experience."

The New Paper has reached out to theshelbyolson for comment.