Advise for a young profesional moving to Singapore

Hey everyone, I just moved to Singapore and would like your advise/tips that could come in handy. It is my first time in Asia and will welcome any suggestions on the region and particularly in the city.

I am specially worried about housing, any ideas on which are the best places to live? My company will provide a $3,500 housing allowance. I was wondering what should I expect to rent with such allowance?

Other than that I am also interested in starting Mandarin lessons and was wondering where would be a good place at a reasonable price.