How a Singapore hub can help companies seize opportunities in Asian markets

If your business is looking to seize the exciting growth opportunities that Asia offers, establishing a regional headquarters can facilitate entry into new markets. In this article, we highlight seven reasons why Singapore is the favoured hub for companies seeking to expand into the rest of Asia. If you’re looking to take action now, speak to us today

By 2030, the region is expected to contribute roughly 60 per cent of global growth. It will also make up more than half of the world’s middle-class population and form the bulk of demand for consumer goods, according to Asian Development Bank forecasts.

For global companies seeking to make the most of the enormous opportunities that Asia’s growth presents, expanding a relatively basic local set-up into a regional headquarters can be a vital way to gain ground. For one thing, it can give new market entrants far better visibility and a more timely view of its cash position across the region. That in turn can make it easier to optimise liquidity across operations and achieve more capital efficiency as the enterprise expands into new Asian markets.

Regional centralisation can also make it much easier for enterprises to present a single, consistent interface as they build relationships with suppliers, distributors, retailers and consumers alike. But where should companies wishing to expand their Asia office into a fully-fledged hub best position themselves for competitive advantage?

Research shows Singapore is becoming an increasingly important base for businesses seeking to grow in Asia, and particularly Southeast Asia. Some 4,200 subsidiaries across a wide spectrum of industries – from technology and commodities to logistics and more – are already taking advantage of the country’s stable tax, legal and regulatory systems and business-friendly environment to set up their regional headquarters there, according to the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

“Singapore was selected as the site for [our] Asia Pacific intellectual property (IP) licensing centre in view of its mature legal system, the government’s strong support and respect for IP, and its overall strength as a strategic base for IP management,” a Hewlett-Packard spokesperson told consultant Russell Reynolds Associates.

That view is widely shared. “Singapore is a country of ones and twos – the most competitive economy, number one in the Asia Pacific for talent competitiveness, number one in the Asia Pacific for digital competitiveness and the second most connected country in the world. It is attractive for companies to base their regional hubs here, create jobs and utilise Singapore's connectivity with the rest of the ASEAN region,” David Kelly, executive director at the British Chamber of Commerce, told the Singapore Economic Development Board.

And that’s not all. For companies considering a ‘China Plus One’ strategy, where China remains the main supply source or consumer market but the company diversifies some activities to other countries, Singapore is increasingly seen as an attractive choice. More international firms in China, for example, are now seeking to set up Singapore-based “control towers” – hubs of operational and technical expertise that can help them capture growth opportunities and manage their expansion in the region.

Below, we examine in greater detail why many corporations are choosing to ‘hub’ in Singapore.

Singapore is one of the world’s leading trade centres, with 200 shipping lines passing through and domiciling a major transhipment port that is linked to 600 ports globally. It is also within a six-hour flight radius to half the world’s population. Changi Airport is the most connected airport in Asia, with flights to 400 cities worldwide.

A politically stable nation with a strong legal framework, the city-state also has a thriving financial ecosystem. As Asia’s largest foreign exchange (FX) trading hub and the world’s third-largest FX market it offers full capital convertibility, with no liquidity restrictions or FX controls supporting optimal liquidity solutions.

Singapore’s proximity to some of the world’s fastest growing markets – including China and India – enhance its status as a financial centre. Having forged 27 FTAs over the years, Singapore’s extensive free trade agreements (FTA) and transparent administrative system have been credited with accelerating the country’s transformation to a first-world economy.

As one of the world’s most innovative cities, Singapore hosts a vibrant technology ecosystem consisting of companies and organisations across sectors that are experimenting with new ways to solve challenging problems. Companies seeking to create, test and export innovative solutions to Asia and beyond are able to tap on a diverse pool of talent, draw on cutting-edge research from top universities and connect with thought leaders in their industries.

The country’s highly skilled multinational workforce is another strong drawcard for multinational corporations looking to set up a regional base. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most competitive, Singapore’s workforce is highly educated and skilled, and 1^st in Asia in attracting and growing talent.

Among countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore leads the way when it comes to advancing sustainable finance. Its government is encouraging its financial sector to promote sustainable development opportunities, and has also taken considerable steps to embed sustainable practices across different sectors.

HSBC is uniquely placed to help corporates leverage Asian growth opportunities, thanks to its wide presence across the region. Operating as a full bank, it is also a participating bank in Singapore’s clearing and settlement systems, which enables it to take full advantage of the nation’s status as the largest foreign-exchange centre in the Asia Pacific region.

Through our ASEAN Desk network, we are committed to help our clients identify growth opportunities in Asia Pacific’s varied markets. We already serve 500 regional headquarters in Singapore, providing customised solutions that cover treasury and process optimisation, risk and working capital.