Successful applicants will sign a 3-way contract between you, SGInnovate and the organisation before starting the programme. Start dates will be agreed upon between the applicant and the organisation prior to the signing of the contract.
The monthly stipend will be paid out fully by the organisation along with the organisation’s monthly payroll.
Yes. The 3-way contract signed between you, the organisation and SGInnovate will act as a confirmation, securing the spot for the Talent.
However, offer made to the Talent is still subjected to the talent securing a Work Holiday Pass in Singapore. All Talent are required to provide an in-principle approval (IPA) letter to be guaranteed a spot in the organisation. More information will be shared with the selected applicants.
Upon successful application of Work Holiday Pass, international applicants will be provided one (1) round-trip air ticket from their city to Singapore.
Talent will also be provided with a living allowance of SGD$1,500 / month (up to a maximum of six (6) months). Talent are required to source for their own accommodation.
More details will be sent to the Talent upon notification of their successful application.
International applicants should apply for the Work Holiday Pass within one week of the offer acceptance or at the earliest possible date allowed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), whichever earlier. Note that there will be three (3) weeks of processing time. Please refer to this link for more information on how to apply.
We will arrange for the Talent to come to Singapore a few days before Summation officially starts. This will give the Talent ample time to open a bank account and get the Work Holiday Pass issued*. The Talent will be able to move into their hostel upon arrival in Singapore, a week before the programme's official start.
*Note that Talent will not be reimbursed for the issuance of the Work Holiday Pass and it is the responsibility of the applicants to apply and obtain it.
We recommend Talent to bring at least SGD$1,500. An international student in Singapore spends, on average, about SGD$750 to SGD$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount will vary depending on the Talent’s lifestyle.
Here are some of the potential costs that Talent will possibly incur. All Talent are recommended to plan their budget well before coming to Singapore:
-
Opening of bank savings account: depending on the bank of choice, Talent might have to pay an initial deposit of SGD500-1000
-
Work Holiday Pass: one-time cost of SGD175 for issuance of the pass
Estimated living and transport expenses per month:
-
Meals: SGD300-450 (based on SGD10-15 per day for three (3) meals at a food court)
-
Transport: SGD50-100 (dependent on the mode of transport you take)
-
Personal expenses: SGD100-350 (e.g. clothes, toiletries, miscellaneous expenses)
More information will be sent to the Talent when they are selected for the programme.
Talent are required to complete feedback forms, training logs, attend planned training workshops and participate in event(s) related to the programme.
Talent will receive a certificate of participation upon completion. Any additional arrangements beyond the specified program duration, such as part-time employment, will be coordinated directly between the participants and the organisation. SGInnovate will not be facilitating or intervening in such agreements.
1. Work Authorisation
- If you are a foreign intern, you will need a Work Holiday Pass (WHP) or a Training Employment Pass (TEP), depending on your profile and internship duration. Check out the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for the relevant eligibility requirements.
2. Transport
- Singapore has an affordable, efficient and convenient public transport system. For more information, refer to the “How do I get around Singapore” FAQ.
3. Weather & Dress Code
- Singapore is hot and humid year-round. Light, breathable clothing is best for daily wear, but workplaces may require business attire. Bring an umbrella for sudden rain showers!
4. Food & Lifestyle
- Singapore hosts a wide variety of food options, from hawker centres for affordable local food to a myriad of international cuisines. There are also plenty of recreational activities for all interests, from nature parks to shopping malls.
Public Transport:
- You can use an EZ-Link card, NETS FlashPay card, or contactless bank cards to pay for fares.
- Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The MRT is the fastest and most convenient way to travel across Singapore. The extensive rail network covers most major attractions, business districts, and residential areas.
- Buses: Buses complement the MRT system by providing access to areas not directly served by train stations. They are affordable and well-connected, with electronic displays and announcements to help you navigate your route.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street, booked through apps (e.g.,ComfortDelGro, TransCab, Strides), or found at designated taxi stands. Fares are metered, and surcharges may apply depending on time, location, and booking method.
- Private Hire Cars: Ride-hailing services like Grab, Gojek, and Ryde offer convenient door-to-door transport. Book a ride through their apps and select your preferred vehicle type and pricing option.
For real time travel information and route planning, you can use apps like Google Maps and MyTransport, or refer to the travel guides below:
If you’re looking for short-term accommodation in Singapore without having to commit to a full-year lease, here are some options:
- Co-Living Spaces – Fully furnished rooms with flexible lease terms and shared facilities
- Student Accommodation – Short-term stays available for students in purpose-built housing
- These options offer convenience, fully furnished spaces, and acommunity-focused environment. For the best choice, consider your budget, preferred location, and lease flexibility before booking.
For eligible students, please apply for Work Holiday Pass within 1 week of accepting the offer or at the earliest possible date allowed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), whichever earlier. (Note that it takes up to 3 weeks to process your application.)
We will arrange for the Talent to come to Singapore a few days before Summation officially starts. This will give the Talent ample time to open a bank account and get the Work Holiday Pass issued*.
*Note that Talent will not be reimbursed for the issuance of the Work Holiday Pass and it is the responsibility of the applicants to apply and obtain it.
Alternatively, should you not meet the eligibility criteria for the Work Holiday Pass, please reach out to the Summation team for further guidance on relevant visa options.
Beyond the stipend and living allowance as detailed below, there will also be a one-off air ticket allowance which will be co-funded by startup (50%) and SGInnovate (50%). This will be paid out to you on a reimbursement basis through the startup, likely in the first month.
Flight tickets should only be bought only after you receive approval of the budget for the flights from the Summation team. If you do so before budget is approved, you may not be reimbursed for flight expenses.
The Summation team will reach out on details required once you have received an offer.
Generally, Singapore has a professional and punctual work culture. However, each startup will have their own distinct culture shaped by the founders and the team working there.
To make the most out of your time with the startup, stay respectful and open-minded towards others and be mindful of cultural diversity.
Dress codes vary by industry, so do check with your mentor before reporting to work.
There will not be a standardised structured programme for Summation apprentices.
Depending on the startup’s needs, you might be given company specific training to familiarise the yourself with the company’s technologies or processes.
Participants are expected to be fully committed to the duration of their apprenticeship, actively engaging in project work and mentorship activities.
Yes, we do host regular orientation sessions for incoming apprentices.
This bi-annual event serves as both an orientation for new participants and a graduation ceremony for outgoing apprentices.
It aims to allow apprentices to celebrate achievements, connect with peers, and engage with the broader Summation community.
Yes, there will be a structured training development plan outlining the expected learning outcomes from the apprenticeship.
You will also be required to fill in a training log to document what you have learned and reflect on your progress weekly.
Mid-program and/or end-program check-ins will also be conducted, where we will review your performance and overall experience.
Yes, towards the end of your apprenticeship, you will be invited for a graduation event to celebrate what you have achieved during your apprenticeship and connect with peers within the broader Summation community.
You can also join a Telegram channel where we will continue to share with alumnis about regular events we host for alumnis.
All apprenticeships are in-person in Singapore. Participants will work on-site with Deep Tech startups in Singapore.
Certain components of the selection process, such as interviews might be conducted online.
Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected].
Yes, there will be an apprentice orientation with fellow apprentices before everyone starts their postings at their respective startups.
During the duration of your internship, we might host talent engagement events for apprentices to build a strong support network with each other.
Upon completion participants can stay connected through the Summation Alumni Club.
You will be given 3 days to make a decision to accept the offer.