It is always advantageous to appear in person as it is much easier to make judgements based on you rather than an e-mail or letter.
Larger outfits, particularly those from the West, use databases to search their files for potential interviews. This means you have to go through your CV and pick out the most important words. You don;t need phrases.
These attributes should be listed under a heading called TAGS at the end of your resume.
Yours might include: Singaporean, single, male, speaks Mandarin - English, reads/writes Mandarin=English, prepared to travel,
etc. They scan your resume in, often in the mail room, and it is transported electronically to wherever.
Use this technique when you post on-line, too, as Mr. Google will index it within hours. Don't forget CraigsList as you can post there and wait for people to search.
If asked for salary expectations suggest that they are best to judge your worth to their organisation up on companies. the first person talking numbers loses the $$ game.
Read up on companies activities, see how your skills might fit in (and talk up what you see. I see you gained the contract for ...)
Be ready for trap questions. Who is the most important person to our company (customer). Where do you see yourself in 5 years time (technology changes so rapidly it is impossible to say but I intend to continue my education to be ready for anything).
Always look the interviewer in the eye, grip wel when shaking hands, hold your hands together to stop distracting movements; be the last to sit down (wait for them to invite you(.
Dress 'square',I interviewed a HongKong guy once and the fad was to have about a inch gap between the tie know and the shirt (he didn't get the job)
If someone says you lack experience suggest that your enthusiasm will help make up your short comings and he could be your mentor.
Never lead for a job, it;s embarrassing to you both.
Always wait about a week and then write a "Thank you for interviewing me for I know you are busy. Take the opportunity to review your skill set. I always remember the people who say thank you. Always choose late in the time slots so you linger in their minds.
When they offer you a job always request a week or two to complete your obligations, shows responsibility to others.
I have interviewed hundreds of people three of which later became senior people in Nortel.
Use as many of the search engines listed above, head hunters use them all. Don't use a stupid e-mail name, either.
Good luck!