• Singapore – Gateway between Asia and the Rest of the World
• Aggregating Demand for Professional Services
• International Hub for Business
• Magnet for Talent
• Launch-pad for Pan-Asian solutions

Singapore is a unique blend of east and west, with an open and efficient business environment contrasted against a backdrop of Asian culture and heritage. Ideally positioned to foster cultural, economic and academic exchanges, it is the gateway between Asia and the rest of the world.

The non-uniformity of commercial systems and regulations in Asia foretells a growing need for business solutions attuned to Asia’s needs. Recognising the need to stay ahead of demand, Singapore is taking proactive steps to anchor thought and practice leaders in the professional services.

Singapore’s cosmopolitan talent pool, diversified business landscape and trusted legal and political framework make it a great base for professional services firms to create innovative solutions for future business needs.

Singapore is host to MNCs from wide-ranging industries and geographies. Ranked as the easiest place in the world to do business for the third year running by the World Bank’s “Doing Business 2009” report, Singapore’s strategic location offers companies enhanced market access in terms of physical connectivity and also through an extensive network of International Agreements. Singapore’s pro-business environment is further bolstered by a robust financial sector. Over a third of Fortune 500 corporations have substantial headquarters activities in Singapore, guiding business strategy, management and direction for the region. Emerging Asian MNCs that are starting to make their mark globally are also using Singapore as a springboard for growth. 

Singapore’s sophisticated base of MNCs centre high value-add activities such as IP and brand equity management, M&A and IPOs here, aggregating a strong demand for professional services.

Beyond being a great place to do business, Singapore is a safe, fun and increasingly vibrant place to live in. While it boasts a well-educated and highly skilled population, it is proactive in its efforts to augment its workforce. This is exemplified by the establishment of Contact Singapore, which aims to draw global talent to work, live and play here. In addition, Singapore has thus far attracted more than 80,000 international students through its Global Schoolhouse initiative, which has brought in numerous world-renowned schools such as INSEAD, Duke and MIT. Singapore also draws in leading industry experts through hosting international events like the World Economic Forum and the International Bar Association in 2007.

Singapore’s workforce has been recognised as the best in the world, according to the Business Environment Risk Intelligence's 2007 Labour Force Evaluation Measure report. Its open policies to high-end professionals entails that businesses can easily and effectively tap on the global talent pool.

With its multicultural society and diversity of industries, Singapore is in many ways a microcosm of Asia. It is a good test-bed for innovative business solutions tailored to Asian needs. The presence of over 4,000 MNC headquarters enables Singapore to be a launch pad for these innovations to reach all parts of the globe. 

Consistently ranked as having the most protective IP regime in Asia since 1997 by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, Singapore is a credible repository of knowledge. It is an ideal place for professional services firms to collaborate with prestigious universities to conduct pioneering R&D and translate insights gained into practical and relevant solutions.