THEY look just like one of us - a distant cousin, a next door neighbour or even an Ah Beng right out of Geylang.

But looks can deceive.

The moment they speak, you hear an accent right out of London, New York or Sydney. If I were local and single, I'd be very afraid. Just look at the influx of expatriates of Asian descent that have landed on our shores in search of fame, fortune and maybe, companionship.

Local lasses who might not like blond-haired Caucasians now can date an Asian brought up in ang moh land.

My lady friend Xin commented that local men should stand up and take notice of the new competition as these new arrivals tend to be 'well travelled, independent and streetwise'.

The bar has been raised, as women are now spoilt for choice.

Independent, financially-sound women need more than a man with a successful career.

He can communicate well, express his thoughts and feelings and treat a woman right.

My friend, Sharon, said: 'Take a survey of 200 local men below the age of 30 and I can tell you that only a handful have gotten into a bar brawl, been to a fine dining restaurant and caught a musical.'

She might exaggerate, but the point is that women like their men well-rounded and not total nerds or jocks.

Yes, that's a little daunting, but it is not insurmountable.

I think local men lack confidence and fly the white flag too easily.

Recently, a buddy gave up before the fight even began when he found out that she had bought a pricey watch.

He said: 'High maintenance lah, bro. Tough for me to handle.'

I beg to differ. Why should men fear dating a woman who can clearly take care of herself?

As they say, have no fear. Just do it.

In this day and age where living expenses in Singapore are sky rocketing, I'd take a high-flying career woman over her meek and timid 'low maintenance' sister.

Even better if she lets me drive her Porsche on weekends.