Why Singapore is attractive for business leaders

• According to the World Happiness Report, Singaporeans rate their quality of life as the best in the world.
• Three expats share their personal reasons for moving to this small city-state.
• Opportunities, values ​​and lifestyle are some of the characteristics that set Singapore apart.
• This article is part of our Business for Good series, which highlights business leaders and companies driving meaningful change from Singapore.

Chris Leboutilier is a journalist and content creator who has worked across Asia for 25 years. He is currently based in Singapore and is a trusted resource for our company on innovative projects being developed in one of the world’s most advanced and forward-thinking business hubs.

Singapore has long been a magnet for foreign business professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs. I understand because I’m one of his expatriates who has called Singapore his home for 25 years.

Simply put, Singapore has been a great country for me and my family. This is not only a great place to work; It’s a wonderful place to live.

The city-state’s government is agile and efficient. The business atmosphere is open and collegial. And the quality of life is unparalleled. Not to mention, Singapore’s location in the heart of Asia makes it easy to travel. So sometimes, on a whim, I spend a weekend on a beach in Thailand or Indonesia.

I wanted to know if Singapore still has the same appeal for foreigners as it did when I first came from New York City in 1998.Three foreign business owners currently living in Singapore I interviewed.

Our discussions with them revealed three key characteristics that set The Lion City apart from anywhere else in the world: career opportunities, a place of shared values, and a great lifestyle. .

A land of career and business opportunities

Steven Bartholomeusz, who works at renewable fuel producer Neste, says Singapore’s opportunities are among the best in the region. Since moving to Singapore in 2008, I have changed jobs four times, each time stepping up to a senior role with greater regional or global responsibilities, and ultimately moving to Asia Pacific ( APAC) has reached the position of overall public relations officer. ) Neste region.

Singapore is considered a global business hub thanks to its excellent sea and air connectivity, developed infrastructure, stable political and regulatory environment, and skilled workforce. But it is not only a strategic hub for international business and multinational corporations (MNCs), but also a rich environment for global talent.

We spoke to José Pedro Borges, Head of Human Resources Partners for Asia Pacific at EDP Renewables (EDPR), a global leader in renewable energy with large-scale solar and wind projects across 28 countries. Let’s. The transition from his EDP Group headquarters in Lisbon to his Singapore-based APAC renewable energy platform has been a “transformative experience for Borges that goes far beyond mere professional growth” and has led to Singapore’s business growth. He says that the quality of the network is attractive.

“This change represented a great opportunity, both from a personal and professional perspective,” he said. “It has allowed me to immerse myself in a new region and facilitate an exciting journey of learning, discovery and cultural harmony.”

power for good

It was clear from my discussion that the city-state is also a place where experts can drive meaningful change.

This is the case with Maya Hari. Hari, who has worked for big tech companies such as Cisco, Google, Microsoft, and most recently, made the bold choice to become CEO. Measure your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it.

It was a transformation that could only be achieved in Singapore. Hari, who moved to the country 12 years ago, said the opportunity presented by Terrascope to bring together a “passion for technology and the urgent need to tackle climate change” was an opportunity for Singapore to become a “sustainability hub”. “Excellence” has made this possible.

In Singapore, you can do more than just build a career. You are embracing a dynamic, diverse, and truly fulfilling way of living.

Jose Pedro Borges

Although companies like Terrascope, Neste and EDPR come from different sectors, we share a common belief that Singapore can partner with these companies to be a force for good. Innovative projects driven by these companies and their leaders, including Terrascope’s SaaS platform, Neste’s renewable fuels, and EDPR’s mission to expand solar power across Asia to foster regional clean energy hubs. has received a significant boost thanks to the country’s commitment to sustainability. development and global decarbonization.

And its efforts are particularly appealing to people who value sustainability both professionally and personally.

“Singapore’s proactive stance on sustainability goals aligns seamlessly with the values ​​of professionals who seek not only career advancement but also a holistic life experience,” Mr Borges said.

Quality of life

After all, looking back at more than 20 years of living on the island, the opportunities and high standard of living have kept me firmly established here.

Singapore has a wide range of housing options. Incredibly safe at all times. Public transport covers most of the island. Most importantly, this multicultural city makes it easy to make lifelong friends from all over the world.

Bartholomeusz is just as grateful as I am for the security in Singapore. “As a father of three girls, it gives me peace of mind to know that they are in a very safe environment,” he says.

Plus, it’s a great place to learn hobbies and pursue your passions. For example, Hari became a talented urban farmer. “She started it as a challenge to grow food for her family, but as the years went by her love for gardening deepened,” she said.

Borges said that while the prospect of moving halfway around the world can be daunting, he and his family find the move ultimately rewarding.

“In Singapore, you don’t just build a career,” he said. “You are embracing a dynamic, diverse and truly fulfilling way of life.”

Find out why so many are partnering with Singapore to drive meaningful change.

This post was created by Insider Studios and Singapore Economic Development Board.