Empty Shelves

During Jen's nesting week, we went to the shop to stock up on disposable diapers.  We did not plan to buy any "formula milk" for the baby since Jen was to breastfeed the new baby until he can feed on solids just like how we handled Albany in the past.  Still, I couldn't help but notice the empty shelves at the formula milk section.  Woolworths was such a big organisation here and you would almost never see a regular day of slow replenishing of goods in any of their joints.  Even so, they struggled to keep up with the frantic buyers (rumored to be the PRCs) of milk powder. 

On the shelf was a pinned newspaper article explaining their empty shelves.  It was old news and people were generally aware of PRCs exporting milk powder in large amounts for personal use or profit.  That irked the locals because they felt that the practice was artificially driving supply low and causing prices to increase. 

That reminded me of my own stupidity.  I used to think that HDB prices were driven up by an artificial demand caused by an influx of migrants into Singapore in a very short time.  The stupid part of me was that I believed it was artificial.  There was nothing artificial about that.  It was in fact, more real than my worst nightmares as I had to go through every single day jostling with crowds, wonder if there was any future left for me there.  That wasn't a trend or a one-off phenomenon.  Escalating population figures will not stop.  This kind of reality is probably something the locals here have not come to terms with.  As long as Australia continues to take in PRCs and the power milk quality continues to be dire in their home country, the shelves here are going to be empty until price goes up so much that it isn't feasible to export them off the racks anymore.  None of the options seem possible in the near future.  It remains to be seen if they will take the risk to increase supply dramatically as a solution. 

Just how much the milk powder is here?  Is it really worth the effort of exporting them that way?  I am not really sure.  I have never shopped for formula milks in Singapore or Perth and have no feel of the pricing difference.  I remember a friend in Singapore asking me about it before.  Why don't you tell me if there is a significant difference?  I can't even tell the differences among brands. 

"I left the door unlocked so that you can come in because I love you so much." 

- Albany, 21/11/2016

Emails 2017

Hi Nix,

I came across your interesting blog and wish to ask on your honest opinion. 

Do you think it's a good idea to pay 6 months worth of house rental in advanced to secure a place to stay before we go over.  Our situation makes it a little difficult to look for one in Darwin with 2 dogs that we couldn't leave behind.  And we don't have a job there yet.  Oh, we have gotten a 489 visa.  And we are intending to move somewhere in June with our 2 dogs and an almost 2 year old kid. 

Appreciate your intake on this. 

Thanks a lot! 

Hi Elaine,

The housing market is currently quite depressed so it should not be difficult to find rental properties.  I don't think it is a good idea to pay 6 months in advance at all.  You shouldn't find it a problem to get one.  If you face any difficulties, let me know the details and see if I can give you ideas. 

Hi,

Saw your blog while searching on Singaporean based overseas and hopeful can meet a bunch of you all if i ever go over eventually. 

For myself after looking at migrating or completing the process before i do not have enough points to qualify. 

Basing on my current situation, it seems since my CV is leaning towards the marketing and financial field.  Which in this case seems only Adelaide and Darwin is the only option for Subclass 190. 

Do you know any fellow Singaporeans based in either place? 

Anyway, for me is more towards wanting a more laid back life and changing the environment.  Ideal situation would be to work another 10 years before settling with a small farm land in the country in Aussie.  But my worry is whether i would be able to secure a job in Aussie especially with my advance in age 38? 

Lastly, any good advice for a frog in the well on his migration journey to aussie? 

Many thanks in advance

Regards

Stanley

Hi Stanley,

If you cannot qualify for skilled migration on points, you will not be able to work here, unless you find an employer who is willing to hire you for your skill set and apply for a work visa for you.  It is unlikely in this economic climate but may be your only chance. 

Dear NIx,

Good day! 

I have been reading your blog and decided to migrate to Australia. 

I have been researching on how to go about migrating to Australia and unfortunately, I seem to have hit a road block, thus writing this email to seek your advice on which type of visa should i apply. 

I will be turning 36 next year.  BE Chemical Engineering from UNSW (Stayed in Sydney for 2.5 years and graduated in 2008).  Msc in Maritime Studies from NTU (Graduating in June 2017).  Currently working as a Business Development Manager in the Shipping Industry.  I have also attached my CV for your reference. 

I am confident of getting 60 points in the Points Test BUT my current job is not on the SOL list. 

My mother's cousin is a PR in Australia and she and her family are living in Perth (I do not know whether this information helps)

I was thinking of taking part time courses in ITE in Electrical Wiring, Residential Plumbing or Air Conditioning and Refrigeration since these jobs are on the SOL list. 

Any advice will be really appreciated. 

Regards,

Colin Soh

Dear Colin,

First thing first, I would like to know how you qualify for 60 points in the Points Test.  Will you be able to provide a breakdown ? 

*Please note that if your occupation is not on the SOL, you will not be able to claim points for work experience nor academic qualifications. 

Hey buddy! 

Was scrolling through and landed on your site.  Loved the Art of Survival; plain, blunt yet simple. 

I'm a local Sporean dude and just got my PR.  Currently workin on contract job and planning to move down under.  I realise getting a job in Oz from Spore isn't gonna be easy.  Thought of giving it a try since its been just a month.  Plan B is to just move and get an unpaid internship for 3 mths.  Any advise? 

Kind regards,

Hi dude,

To be honest, I don't have a single clue about unpaid internship or anything like that.  If you manage to get one of those, I will appreciate if you can let us know the details so we can all learn from you. 

I apologise for being painfully obvious but if you find it hard to find a job in Australia from Singapore, then come here and look! 

Hello,

My name is Adam and I cam across your blog about migrating to Australia.  I would love some advice or experience that you can share with me with regards to my questions. 

First of all, I am a US bachelor grad in Mechanical Engineering and worked in the US for 2.5 years.  I am a Chinese Malaysian and I'm 25 years old by March (2017).  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on migrating to Australia?  The subclass 189 doesn't allow me to accumulate enough points because of my work experience did not meet the requirement of 3 years which I was told that usually the Australia immigration officer pay the most attention to.  If you disagree with that statement, I would like to hear your advice on that. 

The other way I thought is by studying my Masters degree there and while studying, I could think of an idea to set up a business there.  Didn't research much into this path but if you have experience with this path, I appreciate a lot if you are willing to share. 

Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon,

Regards,

Adam

Hi Adam,

It sounds really simple.  Choose the path of least resistance.  Work for 3 years to gain your 60 points then!  You'll need the funds to relocate anyway.