2024-01-19T17:55:46Z - Singaporeans rate their quality of life among the best anywhere, according to the World Happiness Report.
- Three expats share their personal reasons for moving to the small city-state.
- Opportunities, values, and lifestyle are among the traits that make Singapore stand out.
- This article is part of our "Business for Good" series spotlighting business leaders and companies that are driving meaningful changes from Singapore.
By Kris LeBoutillier, a journalist and content creator who has worked across Asia for 25 years. Currently based in Singapore, he's serving as our trusted resource for the innovative projects unfolding in one of the world's most advanced and progressive business hubs.
Singapore has long been a magnet for foreign corporate professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs. I know because I'm one of those expatriates who has called Singapore home for 25 years.
To put it simply, Singapore has been very good to me and my family. It's not only a great place to work; it's a fantastic place to live.
The city-state's government is nimble and efficient; the business atmosphere is open and collegial; and the quality of life is unparalleled. Not to mention that Singapore's central location in Asia makes traveling a breeze, so I can decide on a whim to spend occasional weekends hanging on a beach in Thailand or Indonesia.
Curious to see if Singapore's charm is still as alluring for expats today as it was when I first arrived from New York City in 1998, I interviewed three foreign business executives currently living in Singapore.
My discussions with them revealed three key traits that make "The Lion City" stand out from anywhere in the world: career opportunities, a place of shared values, and outstanding lifestyle.
Land of career and business opportunities
According to Steven Bartholomeusz, who works at Neste, a producer of renewable fuels, the opportunities in Singapore are some of the best in the region. Having changed careers four times since moving to Singapore in 2008, he noted each time it has been a step up to a more senior position with larger regional or global responsibility, culminating in the head of public affairs role for the entire Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at Neste.
Singapore is considered a global business hub thanks to its great sea and air connectivity, developed infrastructure, stable political and regulatory environment, and skilled workforce. But it's more than a strategic location for international businesses and multinational corporations (MNCs), it's also an enriching environment for global talent.
Just ask José Pedro Borges, head of people partners for the APAC region at EDP Renewables (EDPR), a global leader in renewables involved in major solar and wind projects spanning 28 countries across the globe. Transitioning from the EDP group headquarters in Lisbon to its APAC renewables platform based in Singapore was "a transformative experience that extends far beyond just professional growth" for Borges, who cites the quality of Singapore's business network as a draw.
"This change represented an incredible opportunity from both personal and professional perspectives," he said. "It has allowed me to immerse myself in a new region, fostering an exciting journey of learning, discovery, and cultural alignment."
A force for good
From my discussions, it was clear that the city-state is also where professionals can drive meaningful change.
This is the case for Maya Hari. Having worked for some of the biggest names in tech — such as Cisco, Google, Microsoft, and most recently, X (formerly known as Twitter) — Hari made the bold choice to become CEO at Terrascope, a decarbonization startup whose platform allows large companies to measure and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
It was a transition that could only be made in Singapore. According to Hari, who moved to the country 12 years ago, the opportunity to integrate her "passion for technology with the urgent need for climate action" that Terrascope presented was possible because of Singapore's "prominence as a hub for sustainability."
In Singapore, you don't just build a career. You embrace a way of life that's dynamic, diverse, and truly fulfilling.
José Pedro Borges
Companies like Terrascope, Neste, and EDPR may hail from diverse sectors, but they share a common belief — that Singapore can partner with them to be a force for good. The innovative projects these companies and their leaders are driving — like Terrascope's SaaS platform, Neste's renewable fuels, and EDPR's mission to expand solar power across Asia to foster a clean energy hub in the region — receive a turbo boost thanks to the nation's commitment to sustainable development and global decarbonization.
And that commitment is especially attractive for those who value sustainability professionally and personally.
"Singapore's proactive positioning on sustainability goals aligns seamlessly with the values of professionals seeking not only career advancement but a holistic living experience," Borges said.
Quality of life
Ultimately, when I look back on more than two decades of living on the island, the opportunities and the high standard of living are truly what have kept me firmly planted here.
Singapore has a wealth of housing options; it's incredibly safe at all hours; and the public transportation system covers most of the island. Most importantly, the multicultural city makes it easy to make lifelong friends who hail from all around the world.
Bartholomeusz shares my appreciation for Singapore's public safety. "As a father of three girls, knowing that they are in an extremely safe environment gives a sense of reassurance," he said.
Plus, it's a great place to learn hobbies and pursue passions. For example, Hari has become a talented urban farmer. "I started it as a challenge to grow my family's food, and over the years, it has grown into a love for gardening," she said.
Borges shared that while the prospect of moving halfway around the world can be daunting, he and his family have found the move ultimately rewarding.
"In Singapore, you don't just build a career," he said. "You embrace a way of life that's dynamic, diverse, and truly fulfilling."
Learn more about why so many are partnering with Singapore to drive meaningful change.
This post was created by Insider Studios with the Singapore Economic Development Board.
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