Now covering the entire Indochinese peninsula, MOBILITAS consolidates its position as a leading operator, offering internationally recognised expertise, regional know-how and a full range of tailor-made services.

Covering the entire ASEAN zone

Laos was an obvious choice for the international group when it came to assessing new markets for development. The only landlocked country in South-East Asia, Laos conducts all international trade by road or rail. Most cross-border traffic passes through Vietnam and China, where MOBILITAS is well established.

Additionally, Laos is a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). These commitments foster close commercial relationships with many of the countries where Mobilitas also operates.

The Group aims to cover most of the 10 ASEAN Member States, one of the world’s most dynamic regions, demonstrating its constant drive for improvement and desire to meet its customers’ needs, wherever they may be.

“Over the decades, Laos has progressively solidified its international economic footprint, presenting MOBILITAS with a promising opportunity to satisfy the needs of our global customers by establishing a presence here,” commented Alain Taïeb, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the MOBILITAS Group. “As Laos is one of the 88 member countries of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and to coincide with 70^th anniversary of Franco-Laotian diplomatic relations, I feel immense pride in integrating Laos to our network.”

A sign of commitment

The new site is strategically situated between the Laotian capital of Vientiane and the bridge that marks the border with Thailand. Equipped with an ultra-modern 1500m² warehouse that adheres to the highest safety standards, it will provide the full range of MOBILITAS services.

With its rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage, Laos is ideal for deploying all the Group’s expertise in heritage preservation, restoration, digitisation and sharing – a service it launched in 2022 under its Memorist brand.

“By offering new services to the Laotian business community, we are strengthening our ties with this country and the greater Indochinese region. This new location reflects our dedication to provide high-level services to our international customers, and our confidence in the future of the Asian business community as a whole,” said Alain Taïeb.

ABOUT MOBILITAS

Founded nearly 50 years ago and now run by the 3^rd generation of the Taïeb and Castro families, the MOBILITAS Group is a mid-cap company (ETI) specialising in removals, relocation and global mobility management services , as well as physical and digital records management solutions and the preservation, restoration, digitisation and transmission of heritage.

With over 4,500 employees and a presence in 100 countries, the group relies on its own network and a pool of exclusive agents to offer unrivalled service in its three core businesses. A long-term vision guides the company’s major business and investment decisions. Decisions that regularly shape and invigorate the Group, leading it towards new processes, new businesses, new horizons.

Singapore’s Cultural Blend and Settling In

The Republic of Singapore is simultaneously a city, an island, and a country. It’s one of just three city-states left in the world, made famous by its emergence as a major international hub for business and innovation.

English is the common language used for business and administration and is widely spoken. Nevertheless, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures – Malay, Chinese, Indian, and more – and you can expect a vibrant cosmopolitan society that incorporates the diverse traditions (and incredible cuisines) of its residents.

When it comes to customs, Singaporeans value courtesy and politeness. Things like taking off your shoes indoors and giving a polite nod to elders are a big deal, and respecting these customs will smooth the way as you settle into daily life.

Singapore’s Visa Requirements

Before you move, however, you need to sort out your visa or permit. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your move, such as employment, study, business, or accompanying a family member. Here are some common visa options:

The Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals and skilled workers, and you will need a job offer from a Singaporean employer to apply for an EP. The S Pass is for mid-skilled workers, while the Dependant Pass (DP) is for family members of EP and S Pass holders. If you plan to study in Singapore, you will need to apply for a Student Pass (STP) which requires an acceptance letter from a recognised educational institution.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) are the go-to authorities for immigration matters. Applying for a visa involves submitting the necessary documents, including a valid passport, an offer letter (for employment or study), your educational qualifications, and proof of financial stability. Make sure to adhere to the guidelines and timelines provided by these authorities to ensure a smooth process.

Budgeting Basics

Singapore has held the title of the world’s most expensive city for expats four times in a row, which tells you that living there isn’t cheap. Nevertheless, your salary should take that into account, and with some careful planning, you will be able to manage your expenses. Think about housing, transport, healthcare, and international school fees for your children – they all add up.  If you’re interested in comparing the cost of living in Singapore to other countries, check out Numbeo.

Staying Healthy: Doctor Visits and Health Insurance

You can expect top-notch medical care thanks to Singapore’s government and publicly funded universal healthcare system. Take a look at the different plans and find one meets your medical needs. As a permanent resident or a family member of one, you can benefit from MediSave and MediShield Life. It’s important to note that, unlike the NHS, Singapore’s system requires you to pay monthly contributions to a healthcare savings account, allowing you to access medical services at discounted rates.

Public transport in Singapore

Getting around Singapore is a breeze thanks to the MRT system and buses that dot the island; it’s also cheap and efficient. Just as well, because buying a car can be an expensive exercise, both because of the high taxes and the limited parking available. As a car owner, you’ll also have to get a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which costs nearly as much as the car itself. If you’re not sold on public transport, don’t worry! Singapore also has cycling paths which are well-connected, and you are able to rent bicycles from licensed operators.

Office Life and More

Singapore’s work culture is all about professionalism and punctuality, which may take some getting used to. That said, it’s also great for networking opportunities, and knowing and understanding the culture is sure to give your career a boost.

Fun Facts About Life in Singapore

1. Chewing gum is nowhere to be found in Singapore. Except for dental gum, which is sold on prescription, its sale has been banned on the island since 1992.
2. The innovative architecture of buildings in Singapore often features lush greenery on their facades, contributing to the city’s reputation as a “City in a Garden.”
3. Singapore is made up of 63 islands, with the main island being the largest and most populated.
4. The English name Singapore comes from the Malay name Singapura which is believed to have been derived from Sanskrit meaning “Lion City”.
5. The Merlion statue, half-lion and half-fish, is the official mascot of Singapore. It symbolizes the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing village.

Moving from India to Singapore will take some adjustment, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be an exciting journey. The city-state’s reputation for professionalism, technological prowess, and multicultural vibrancy offers a unique experience that blends the familiar with the new, with exciting career opportunities to boot.

Contact AGS Movers India for a personalised relocation service that will assist you at every stage of your move to Singapore.

Bruce Lee is the international symbol of a discipline that has its origins in mainland China. To survive in hostile environments during the Warring States period, the ancient Chinese developed the now-familiar defence and attack techniques that incorporate jumping, tumbling and kicking.

Varieties of Kung Fu

Known collectively in China as Wushu, martial arts are not a single, unified practice. They are an ancestral tradition that has regional differences. These differences are usually classified by the things they have in common and grouped into various “families” (Jia), “sects” (Pai) or “schools” (Men). This system originated in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1507 to 256 BC). The Shaolin monastery technique focusing on feet and circular movements is most popular in North China. In the South, especially in Hong Kong, Hung Kuen, Choy Lee Fut and Wing Chun (also called “Radiant Spring Boxing”) have the largest following.

In 1954, at the age of thirteen, Bruce Lee, the “little dragon”, learnt Wing Chun in Hong Kong when he arrived from the United States with his family. The technique, which he studied under grandmaster Yip Man for four years, mainly uses the upper body and is based on close combat and self-defence.

Global fame thanks to Bruce Lee’s movies

In 1967, Wing Chun inspired Bruce Lee to develop his own discipline, Jeet-Kune-Do (JKD). Influenced by kinesiology and physiology, this new approach aimed to create the “perfect system” by combining other varieties such as English Boxing, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.

Bruce Lee left his mark in the 20^th century and is still considered by many to be the greatest martial arts master in history. Others believe the pioneer is the ultimate fighter because he fought with his bare hands. He popularised the discipline of Kung Fu (and put the city of Hong Kong in the spotlight) through films such as Operation Dragon and The Fury of Defeat. He also used his fame to create awareness for Chinese martial arts, paving the way for action heroes like Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Hong Kong celebrates his legacy through its film archive, which houses the world’s largest collection of Kung Fu movies.

A legacy that makes Hong Kong more appealing

Bruce Lee continues to influence the practice of Kung Fu in Hong Kong today. “Many expatriates settle in Hong Kong because they discovered the city through Bruce Lee’s movies”, says Clément Fagon, Network Director for AGS in Asia. “Many learn Kung Fu once they are settled in; it even becomes a way of life. It is not uncommon to see foreigners opening their own schools, integrating new techniques, and breaking the barrier between traditional martial arts and MMA. They are Bruce Lee’s successors”, adds Clément.

The city is home to several large training institutions run by Kung Fu masters. Among them is the Yip Man Martial Arts Association, which is led by Master Sam Lau. Master Lau is a student of the great master Yip Man, who was Bruce Lee’s mentor. He puts you to the test as if you were Uma Thurman in Kill Bill. You can also learn basic Kung Fu moves during the weekly demonstration at the Kung Fu Corner that teaches the initiation techniques used in traditional fighting.

Understanding Hong Kong and Kung Fu through books

There are many books that can help you understand the tradition if you are an expatriate. The first is Bruce Lee’s own book, Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, which illustrates his knowledge and concept of fighting.

Chi Kung: Health and Martial Arts, by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, reveals how to harness your internal energy through Kung Fu. To understand the history behind the discipline, there is The Tao of Wing Chun: The History and Principles of China’s Most Explosive Martial Art by Danny Xuan and John Little.

Hong Kong has been the setting of many literary works, including John le Carré’s The Honourable Schoolboy, Timothy Mo’s Monkey King, and  bestselling The Piano Teacher by Janice YK Lee. Political scientist and historian, Steve Tsang explores the city’s rich past in A Modern History of Hong Kong.

Need assistance to prepare for your expatriation to Hong Kong? Contact us!

Even the New York Times was surprised by the series’ global success, which came just one year after the movie Parasite, by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, won four Oscars and a Palme d’Or.

Paving the way for these triumphs of the big and small screen was K-pop, the uniquely Korean music genre that has now firmly secured its place on music charts worldwide. K-pop’s most famous representatives, the group BTS, were even invited to the UN to speak in support of sustainable development in 2021.

Beyond cultural influence

These pop-culture phenomena have transformed Korea into a cultural, economic, and diplomatic heavyweight. In terms of cultural exports (films, series, music, television programmes, etc.), the country has seen significant growth: 10.8 billion dollars last year alone, an increase of 6.3%.

The overwhelming global success of films and series like Squid Game has sparked new interest in the Southeast Asian nation spurred millions around the world to learn the Korean language. The Duolingo app, which allows people to learn languages online, reported a 76% jump in registrations in Britain, and a 40% increase in the US in the two weeks after the series was released. In total, eight million people are now learning Korean on the platform.

Soft power supported by the state since the 90s

Although this trend seems recent, its origins date back almost 30 years. Known locally as “Hallyu” (한류), literally “Korean wave”, the phenomenon is the result of South Korean government policy that promotes domestic arts abroad. Combined with the innovative promotion of celebrities and a dynamic fan culture, this strategy has shaken up the international entertainment market, positioning the Korean underdog as a competitor of dominant North American pop culture.

The first k-drama (Korean television series) to enjoy global attention was What is Love in the early 90s. However, it was in 1997 that the Korean government decided to diversify its economy and focus on culture. Affected by the Asian financial crisis, it sought an alternative to hard power (electronics and automobile industries).

The state invested heavily in the country’s entertainment industry, allocating more than 500 million dollars annually to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approximately a decade.

Korean culture became a tool for economic and diplomatic influence. So much so that the country, now the world’s 10th largest economy, has been invited to the G7 for the past three years.

Expatriates attracted by Korean pop culture

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, more than 13% of tourists visited Korea in 2019 specifically to experience pop culture and attend fan events, with spending totalling 2.7 billion dollars.

While the pandemic has slowed expatriate settlement on Korean soil, numbers had been growing steadily and are expected to pick up again once the pandemic is over. The country’s foreign population had already passed one million in August 2007 and 2 million in June 2016. In 2019, the number of foreign nationals staying in the country exceeded 2.5 million for the first time.

“More than a cultural trend, Korean soft power is spreading throughout the world and making the Land of the Morning Calm an increasingly popular destination among foreign holiday makers and expatriates on long-term assignments,” emphasises Clément Fagon, MOBILITAS Director for Asia. “The younger generations who want to come and live in Asia are no longer necessarily betting on China or Singapore, which have become too expensive, but are turning to Korea, for which they now have plenty of cultural references.”

Key dates of the Korean Wave

Do you need advice to prepare for your expatriation to Korea? Contact us!

Although she relocated from France just a year ago, it didn’t take Doriane long to realise that, while more and better infrastructure would go a long way to alleviate Phnom Penn’s litter woes, people’s attitudes also needed to change. So when she saw World Cleanup Day approaching on the calendar, she wanted to get involved.

Organised by the Estonian NGO Let’s Do It, World Cleanup Day is held annually on the third Saturday of September. The event aims to raise awareness for the waste crisis by encouraging people around the world to participate in clean-up actions. The first World Cleanup Day was held in 2018, attracting 17.7 million volunteers from 157 countries.  Having steadily gained popularity, this year’s social action attracted 25 million volunteers across 190 countries, including the entire AGS Cambodia team.

The early bird gets the litter

To beat the tropical heat, the 14 AGS volunteers gathered at 7:00am to clear a 2km stretch along the banks of the Mekong River in the Chroy Changvar district. By 10:00 they had already filled all their litter bags, 70 in total, for dispatch to a nearby recycling depot.

With plastic forming the largest waste category in Cambodia – 15.5% according to a 2018 United Nations Environment Programme Study – it’s not surprising that plastic utensils and food packaging were the most frequent offenders. Cigarette butts came in a guilty third place.

“We were shocked by how much we collected in such a short time,” Doriane comments. “But if World Cleanup Day helps just one person understand the scope of the city’s problem, if it encourages them to use their own bags when grocery shopping instead of buying bags at the store, then it was a success.” On its part, the Cambodian government has taken steps to raise awareness of the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. This mantra forms part of their long-term strategy to reduce Phnom Penn’s waste, outlined in a policy paper published in 2018. The document also outlines plans for improved waste collection, transportation and disposal.

Between government initiatives and the work being done by NGOs like Let’s Do It, Doriane is hopeful that her adopted country has turned the corner on its journey to zero waste. Nevertheless, the AGS Movers Cambodia team will be out in force again next year, on the third Saturday in September.

Moving to Cambodia? Contact us!

Hanoi strives to preserve traditional Vietnamese culture, thereby providing newcomers with a more authentic experience than Ho Chi Minh. Historic buildings like the superb Ngoc Son Temple, located on an island in the heart of the city, cannot be overlooked. It is equally difficult to imagine the thousand-year-old capital without the thousands of mopeds that ply its streets day and night or to resist the temptation of sitting on the pavement while savouring a bowl of phô, the traditional Vietnamese soup.

Tradition in Hanoi is omnipresent

The centre of the city retains much of its historical layout and architecture. Each district has its own speciality: Hang Bac for goldsmiths and silverware, Hang Lan Ong for herbal products, and Hand Ca, the fishmongers’ corner. Hanoi is also home to the Thang Long water puppet theatre, one of the few traditional playhouses still in operation in the country. This art form, which originated in the 11th century, is inspired by rice farming and local daily life.

The “city beyond the river” is bathed in water. Built on the banks of the Red River, its districts are populated by lakes, including the famous Hoàn Kiếm Lake at the epicentre of old Hanoi. Tai Chi lovers meet on the riverbanks in the early morning to practise their art, a charming custom that enchants many expatriates, an increasing number of which are French.

A strong French heritage

Vietnam is a former French colony and was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1953. For years the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh attracted many large multinationals, but now the historic capital of Hanoi is luring more and more French companies and their employees.

 

“Hanoi is an exotic destination that people dream about,” says Clément Fagon, Regional Director for AGS in Asia. “French expatriates can take advantage of the city’s cultural wealth without losing touch with their roots.” Indeed, Hanoi is the only city in Asia where you can find real French baguettes and traditional French gastronomy, which is very popular here. It is not uncommon to hear people speak French in the streets of the city.

Some 10,000 French people live in Vietnam, most of whom have been seduced by the tranquillity and charm of Hanoi. AGS has helped 259 French families move to and from the city since the group began operating in Vietnam in 2013.

Do you need help or advice to prepare your move to Hanoi or elsewhere in Vietnam?
Contact Clément Fagon, Regional Director for AGS in Asia: clement.fagon@mobilitas.org.

With 42 million inhabitants, Japan’s capital city beats out Delhi in India and Shanghai in China. Tokyo broke the world record for the most populous city way back in 2006 with 35.53 million inhabitants, twice as many as New York. “Moving to Tokyo gives expatriates access to a broad cultural, social and geographical diversity,” says Clément Fagon, Director of AGS Movers Asia. “The atmosphere changes from one district to another, which is what makes living in Tokyo a unique experience.”

Tokyo City has a population of “only” 13.5 million. However, it has sprouted several surrounding cities which have merged into a gigantic urban sprawl that forms one 7,000 km² metropolitan area, home to a quarter of Japan’s population.

The total population of the Empire of the Rising Sun is estimated at 125.507 million inhabitants (2021) who are spread over approximately 378,000 km² or roughly 7,000 islands. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Okinawa, and Kyushu.

According to a 2014 study by the Global Cities Institute, Tokyo’s population is expected to decrease over time due to the country’s ageing population. Mumbai will be the world’s largest city by 2050.

If you have any questions, AGS Movers Japan is here to help.

“Everyone calls him Shīfù Ka Fai,” observes AGS Hong Kong Branch Manager Elliot McMahon. “In Chinese culture, the word Shīfù, meaning master, is informally conferred on someone who has become an expert in their field. And Ka Fai is certainly an expert.”

But that was not the case when Ka Fai joined AGS Hong Kong in 1984. Starting as a labourer, he gradually rose through the ranks, rounding out his career as packing supervisor. From this position, Ka Fai oversaw the training of many of the packers that work at AGS Hong Kong today.

Team spirit drives our culture

Across the AGS Group, experienced staff train the new generation to become experts in their own right. And it’s more than just technical skill they pass on, they are the embodiment of our company’s family culture, our respect for customers and our focus on quality.

Elliot thinks it’s this student-teacher dynamic that encourages people to build their careers at AGS: “Another meaning for Shīfù is similar to father. In ancient times, it was how Buddhist disciples referred to their teachers, who they regarded as their fathers. I see similar close-knit relationships develop at AGS Hong Kong as our new recruits train under masters like Ka Fai.”

Thank you, Ka Fai, for your dedication to AGS Hong Kong. Your legacy will live on in the many team members who have flourished under your guidance.

The well-known event draws cyclists of all nationalities. It is an occasion that allows them to combine their love of cycling with discovering the beauty of Vietnam. Most importantly, it has a human focus: raising funds to help underprivileged Vietnamese children, from kindergarten to university.

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19

2020 was a difficult year for Vietnam and, according to the Japan Times, the coronavirus crisis was particularly hard on communities that were already in precarious situations before the crisis. With a growth rate of 0.36%, the country managed to avoid a recession, but one must compare this to the 7.02% growth in 2019 to realise the shock to the Vietnamese economy.

VIETNAM NATURAL DISASTERS 2020

In addition to the chaos caused by COVID-19, natural disasters caused damage worth USD 1.6 billion. Vietnam was hit by 14 storms and several atmospheric depressions that triggered heavy flooding and landslides between late September and mid-November.

For this reason, the money raised by CCA is crucial in helping Vietnamese youth access education, notably through scholarships. In addition, the children will be able to attend schools which will be built in rural areas. The funds will also assist organisations focused on the integration of disabled students.

DISCOVERING PHONG NHA-KE BANG PARK

This year, CCA participants could choose between three different routes: cycling from Bao Loc to Lagi, from Phong Nha to Quang Binh, or a 30-day virtual race.

Kevin chose to ride through the Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, located between the coast and the border with Laos, but this was not without challenges. Just two weeks prior to the team’s arrival, flood water levels had reached the ceiling at the riders’ accommodation, Phong Nha Farm Stay. Thankfully, the floods subsided in time, with hosts Ben and his family doing an amazing job to repair and clean up before welcoming the team.

During the three-day journey, Kevin’s team cycled along a section of the Hô Chi Minh trail, a heavily bombed series of roads and paths used to re-supply troops during the America-Vietnam war. There they met with mine clearers from Mines Advisory Group who are working in the region. These dedicated men and women have the dangerous task of clearing the more than 800 000 tons of unexploded bombs left behind at the end of the last war. Work is ongoing.

“I expected my fourth race to be difficult. But I must admit that the 2020 edition was complicated – just like everything else in this strange year,” Kevin says. “My mountain bike broke on the first day and had to be fixed before I could continue to the next stage. On the second day, the race started early and ended at sunset, after an ascent of 1 100m over 138km. On the last day, we raced through 100km, ascending 1 000m. We were all glad to cross the finish line!”

Despite the health, climatic and logistical challenges, Kevin and his team persevered. Congratulations to all participants and see you again next year!

Contact ASG Vietnam

Africa network

We wish all of them great success at their new branches and new positions.