Don't shoot the messenger
I guess I should have omitted that part of the message, although having ridden many trains and subways throughout Asia, I think I know what he's talking about. But then again, most public transportation around the world smells like that.
As a follow up, I asked if there were longevity increases, here's the reply:
"...there are no longevity increases for ex-pat contracts. They are five year and 3 year fixed deals..."
Cheers -