Global Mobility 

Rotanak Phay, Tax Manager at Deloitte Cambodia, shares more about his 4-month secondment experience to Singapore.
 

When you first found out that you were seconded to Singapore, how did you feel?

I was very excited and really wanted to immerse myself in a different culture and interact with new people in a pleasant country like Singapore.

Tell us about your role during your secondment?

I joined the Singapore’s Transfer Pricing (TP) team, and most of the TP work I was involved in was relatively new to me. It was a great opportunity for me to learn on the job, which I found both interesting and enjoyable.

How would you describe your overall experience working at Deloitte Singapore?

Working overseas in Singapore was truly an unforgettable experience for me. The people, technology, culture, management and working style are all great things to learn from. Not only did I learn plenty, but I was also able to exchange working experiences I have acquired from Cambodia.
 

Can you share one of your favourite memories?

The Deloitte-Singapore Management University (SMU) Tennis Social Night was a memorable experience for me. Our Deloitte tennis team players had the chance to play tennis with students from the SMU tennis team, as well as share more with them about the firm and career opportunities available over light refreshments. After the session, everyone had gone home and my phone ran out of battery, so I couldn’t find my way home. Luckily, one of the students came over and brought me to the nearest Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. I really appreciated the nice gesture!

How do you enjoy spending your leisure time in Singapore?

I enjoyed taking public transport all around Singapore to experience the diversity of food, culture, lifestyle and tradition. I also visited Malaysia, for some sight-seeing activities as well. My favourite place to visit by far has been Gardens by the Bay, which was fantastic during the night time. Don’t miss it if you ever have the chance to go to Singapore!

What are some key differences or similarities between Singapore and Cambodia?

The weather in both countries are quite similar! The working hours and shopping times though are slightly different – I noticed that in Singapore, most people go shopping at night and spend their weekends at home with their family. Public transport is also the main mode of transport for Singaporeans to get around!

Have you forged any meaningful friendships or relationships? Could you describe them?

I had the opportunity to meet some colleagues from Deloitte Singapore previously during a training session in Malaysia previously, so it was great seeing some of them again and we continue to keep in touch. My colleagues have all been incredibly friendly and helpful - and I have enjoyed playing tennis and having drinks with them too!

Is there anything you would like to say to your colleagues at the Singapore and Cambodia office?

First of all, I’d like to say thank you to the management in both the Cambodia and Singapore offices and everyone who made this opportunity possible. To the Cambodia team – thank you for ensuring that my work in Cambodia continued smoothly while I was on secondment. To the Singapore team – I really appreciate the warm welcome and support for teaching and guiding me. Without all their support and encouragement from everyone, none of this would have been possible.

If you could, what from Singapore would you bring back to Cambodia, and vice versa?

I’d bring the modern medical treatment, education and the efficient public transportation system to Cambodia! If I could bring something from Cambodia to Singapore, I’d choose to bring an authentic Khmer restaurant as it’s not easy to find Khmer food in Singapore.

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