Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#1

Post by protek » Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 7:15 PM UTC

I'm looking to relocate from the UK to SE Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia etc). I keep updated on the 'Who's hiring' threads but just wanted to tap HN's collective knowledge as well.

I'm 23 and have been working as a PHP Developer in London for a large fashion brand for the last 2 years but also have a lot of experience with front end technologies.

Just wondering what the best areas to look for work were, what are my realistic chances, any good resources to look at? In advance, thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#2

Post by coralreef » Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 8:02 PM UTC

Should probably specify what countries you're targeting, as there's a pretty big difference between say, Cambodia and Japan.

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#3

Post by protek » Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 8:08 PM UTC

coralreef wrote: post #2

Should probably specify what countries you're targeting, as there's a pretty big difference between say, Cambodia and Japan.

Sorry, mainly Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia etc. Have now edited the original post.

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#4

Post by joewandy » Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 10:02 PM UTC

protek wrote: post #3

coralreef wrote: post #2

Should probably specify what countries you're targeting, as there's a pretty big difference between say, Cambodia and Japan.

Sorry, mainly Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia etc. Have now edited the original post.

Is your university anywhere in the list on this page: http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-hol...? If yes, you might qualify for a working holiday visa in Singapore. That would make getting a foot into the country much easier.

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#5

Post by nnash » Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 11:17 PM UTC

Hong Kong, hands down. It's way more fun than Singapore (personal opinion) and there are virtually zero local developers (A friend of mine works at an incubator there and several of the startups have had open positions for months on end).

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#6

Post by woutr_be » Tue, Oct 29, 2013, 6:12 AM UTC

I'm currently working in Hong Kong, and to be honest, tech companies here aren't really that good, the startup scene is close to nothing at the moment and finding a decent company that really cares about what they do is very difficult.

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#7

Post by protek » Tue, Oct 29, 2013, 10:34 AM UTC

woutr_be wrote: post #6

I'm currently working in Hong Kong, and to be honest, tech companies here aren't really that good, the startup scene is close to nothing at the moment and finding a decent company that really cares about what they do is very difficult.

That being understood, where would I begin looking for work in Hong Kong - presumably there is a web industry there even though the startup scene may not be as healthy as other cities?

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#8

Post by benzesandbetter » Tue, Oct 29, 2013, 11:52 AM UTC

geoarbitrage, my friend.

Work for clients in high cost-of-living countries. Spend your time in lower cost-of-living countries.

Instant lifestyle upgrade.

Aren't you a little old to still be using PHP? ;)

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#9

Post by woutr_be » Tue, Oct 29, 2013, 12:06 PM UTC

protek wrote: post #7

woutr_be wrote: post #6

I'm currently working in Hong Kong, and to be honest, tech companies here aren't really that good, the startup scene is close to nothing at the moment and finding a decent company that really cares about what they do is very difficult.

That being understood, where would I begin looking for work in Hong Kong - presumably there is a web industry there even though the startup scene may not be as healthy as other cities?

There's quite a few tech companies though, some are pretty decent, but I'm afraid you won't get a high salary job as a developer soon.

Just look through all the different job boards, jobsdb, indeed.hk, wall.barcamp.hk. Maybe a good idea to contact some recruiters, they have a ton of open positions since local talents isn't that great.

Re: Ask HN: Working as a web developer in SE Asia

#10

Post by ianpri » Tue, Oct 29, 2013, 12:48 PM UTC

I'd look to freelance yourself out to London agencies on the proviso that the majority of work is to be done remotely and that you'll be around for kick off meetings etc. Once they trust you you'll be able to switch this to pretty much 100% remote (possibly look to reduce your rate as a sweetener) and then just go to cheap SE asian country of your choice, doing visa runs every X months.

There is a large culture difference between different countries and you may as well spend some time in each to see how they fit before looking for a full time position