Why Singapore

Why Singapore?

Singapore is Southeast Asia’s smallest country, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. As home to a population of 5.45 million people (Department of Statistics), Singapore has grown into an economic powerhouse despite its size. It is one of the world’s most competitive economies (International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Rankings 2021, IMD) and the second most innovative country in Asia (Global Innovation Index 2021, Cornell University, INSEAD, and WIPO).

Singapore houses a vibrant ecosystem that spans across 14 globally leading industries. With a flourishing entrepreneurial landscape that features over 3,800 tech startups, 220 investors, and 200 incubators and accelerators, Singapore continues to be a thriving hub for business opportunities and innovation.

World-class connectivity

Singapore offers world-class connectivity and serves as a global gateway to regional opportunities thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of major trade routes. By air, Singapore is within a six-hour radius of any country in Southeast Asia.

Beyond Southeast Asia, Singapore’s multiple award-winning Changi Airport serves more than 100 airlines and 100 countries and territories worldwide. By sea, the Port of Singapore sees more than 130,000 ships call annually and has links to more than 600 ports globally. The country’s free trade agreement network consists of 27 agreements worldwide and covers over 86% of global GDP, making Singapore one of the most globally connected countries in the world.

A global hub for business

Singapore is the location of choice for many businesses, serving as headquarters for companies of all sizes ranging from startups to multinational corporations. In particular, as one of Asia’s leading innovation centres (Global Innovation Index 2021, Cornell University, INSEAD, and WIPO), the country is recognised for its vibrant ecosystem that features a comprehensive network of cutting-edge R&D labs, venture capital funds, incubators, and accelerators.

Singapore is also home to a diverse and exceptional talent pool. Ranked Asia’s best in attracting and enabling talent (The Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2020, INSEAD), Singapore invests in a range of national initiatives and academic-industry partnerships to continuously improve their highly educated and skilled workforce.

A great place to live

With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Singapore is internationally regarded for its high levels of safety, world-class healthcare, and top-notch education. Integral to the Singapore lifestyle is our hawker culture, the communal culinary and dining experience which serves as an embodiment of Singapore’s dynamic multicultural society. Singapore’s hawker culture was the country’s first inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

Singapore in a Snapshot (2021)