The company is divided into Taiwan Obayashi (construction) and Japanese Obayashi (civil engineering). However, the Taipei offices are together. The vast majority of Taiwanese engineers are employed on contracts, which is standard in the construction industry. At site offices, the site director, deputy site director, and site manager are usually Japanese. Some Japanese employees speak excellent Chinese, so interpreters are unnecessary, and they are also more willing to accept Taiwan’s local customs and conditions. Conversely, cultural conflicts may arise more easily (the quality of the interpretation is very important). If a project site is in a rural area, the salary is negotiable (engineers may earn approximately NT$55,000–70,000, with potentially large differences). The year-end bonus is small—only one month. The main benefit is probably that severance pay is provided when the project is dissolved; overtime is paid, and everything complies with the Labor Standards Act. Japanese construction companies place great emphasis on workplace safety, and safety and health personnel are more likely to receive respect at a Japanese company. Taiwan’s construction industry is too corrupt; if possible, it is best to work for a Japanese company. It’s okay if you don’t speak Japanese.

The construction industry is sluggish, and the year-end bonus really isn’t much. The Japanese-company system also makes it more difficult to pocket illicit money (Taiwan’s construction industry is overflowing with people lining their pockets~)