How to Choose the Right Helper for Your Home
Hiring a domestic helper is an important decision, and finding the right fit for your household requires careful consideration. No helper is perfect in every aspect, so employers should first identify their main priorities—whether it's childcare, elderly care, cooking, or housekeeping. Understanding what matters most to your family will help you choose the right helper with the right skill set.
1. Fresh Helper
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A first-time FDW who has never worked overseas before (including Singapore).
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Usually recruited directly from their home country (e.g., Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, or India).
Pros:
✅ Lower salary expectation compared to experienced helpers.
✅ Can be trained according to the employer's household needs.
✅ More likely to be adaptable to employer’s preferences and routines.
Cons:
❌ Requires more training and supervision.
❌ May take time to adjust to Singapore's lifestyle and working culture.
❌ Limited skills in household tasks, childcare, or elderly care.
Types of Helpers: Which One Suits Your Needs?
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A helper who has worked in another country (e.g., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Middle East) but not Singapore.
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They have experience but may not be familiar with Singapore's regulations and employer expectations.
Pros:
✅ More experienced in household chores, childcare, and elderly care.
✅ Usually have better language skills (e.g., those from Hong Kong may speak Cantonese).
✅ Faster adaptation compared to fresh helpers.
Cons:
❌ May have different work habits from previous employers in other countries.
❌ Might have expectations regarding salary, off-days, or working conditions.
❌ Requires some adjustment to Singapore’s work culture and employer rules.
2. Ex-Abroad Helper
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A helper who is already working in Singapore and is transferring to a new employer before their contract ends (due to employer relocation, financial reasons, or mismatched expectations).
Pros:
✅ Already familiar with Singapore’s lifestyle, food, and work culture.
✅ No need for an overseas recruitment process.
✅ Can interview in person and assess skills before hiring.
✅ Faster hiring process (can start work within 2-4 weeks).
Cons:
❌ Higher salary expectations compared to fresh or ex-abroad helpers.
❌ May have existing work habits that need adjustment.
❌ Some may have past employment issues (important to check reason for transfer).
3 . Transfer Helper
Myanmar vs. Indonesian vs. Filipino Helpers: What’s the Difference?
When hiring a helper, nationality plays a role in language ability, cultural adaptability, work experience, and salary expectations. Here’s how Myanmar, Indonesian, and Filipino helpers compare:
1. Myanmar Helper
✅Gentle, patient, and hardworking
✅More affordable salary expectations compared to Indonesian and Filipino helpers
✅May have limited English but can improve with training
✅Often suited for elderly care and general housekeeping
💡 Best for families looking for a patient, budget-friendly helper willing to learn and adapt.
2. Indonesian Helper
✅Typically more experienced in childcare and cooking
✅Better command of Malay and basic English, making communication easier
✅Become more familiar with Singaporean culture and food preferences
✅Some have prior experience in Malaysia or Hong Kong
💡 Best for families needing a helper skilled in cooking or childcare with better communication skills.
3. Filipino Helper
✅Fluent in English, making communication easier
✅Generally well-educated and more independent
✅Experienced in childcare, elderly care, and cooking
✅ Become more familiar with Western and Singaporean household expectations
✅Expect higher salaries due to their language skills and experience
💡 Best for families who need a helper with strong communication skills, childcare experience, and the ability to work independently.
Making the Right Choice
Each nationality has its strengths, so choosing the right helper depends on your household needs, budget, and expectations. Whether you need a patient and hardworking Myanmar helper, an experienced Indonesian helper for childcare and cooking, or a well-educated Filipino helper with strong English skills, understanding their differences will help you make the best decision.
Still unsure? Talk to our team! We’ll help you find the best match for your family’s needs. Would you like any further refinements? 😊
Contact Us
JOYFUL CARE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY PTE LTD | Lic No: 24C2620 | UEN: 202443824K
Address
170, Upper Bukit Timah Road
#01-24
Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
Singapore 588179
Contact
+65 81798238
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm
Weekend by Appointment only