Singapore (Commonwealth Union)— In a world where tech innovation moves fast, Singapore is quietly but confidently making a name for itself. Recently named one of the top 12 global tech talent hubs, the city-state is carving out a space among heavyweights like San Francisco, London, and Tokyo. This recognition comes from the 2025 Global Tech Talent Guidebook by CBRE, highlighting Singapore’s growing appeal to investors, startups, and digital professionals alike. Despite being the smallest of the five Asia-Pacific cities on the list, Singapore has punched well above its weight. What sets it apart are a strong educational base, a solid digital infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment that supports global partnerships. It’s a rare mix, and it’s working.
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One of Singapore’s strongest assets is its talent pool. Nearly half of its working-age population, about 4.3 million people, hold university degrees. Globally, that puts Singapore just behind Switzerland and Ireland in educational attainment. Additionally, due to its political stability and modern infrastructure, tech firms are setting up their shops in Singapore and expanding their businesses here. Ravi Nippani, head of regional industries at Mercer Asia, echoed the sentiment. “Singapore’s ecosystem is quite mature,” he said. “It covers everything from cutting-edge roles to essential support functions.” Mercer’s 2025 survey ranked Singapore third in Asia for tech job volume, behind only China and India. Considering its smaller workforce, that’s not a small feat. “It really is punching above its weight,” Nippani added.
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However, there are challenges to overcome. Operational expenses in Singapore are high, and for some companies, that’s a hurdle. The city ranks 24th out of 115 for software engineer salaries, averaging around USD $111,000 per year. Adding that with the commercial rent, second only to Paris globally, it becomes a pricey place to run a tech company. Jonathan Lasenby, who heads tech and telecoms at recruitment firm Ethos BeathChapman, points out that housing and office rents are part of the problem. “Office rents are the second-highest in the world, and apartment rents rank seventh. Those numbers add up fast,” he said. And with more people open to remote work, location decisions are becoming more intentional. “Candidates are thinking long-term. With flexible work models, the cost of living plays a much bigger role in where people choose to work from,” he added.
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Despite this, Singapore’s appeal remains strong. It ranked fourth on the 2024 Global Innovation Index and second globally on the International Property Rights Index, right behind Finland. These rankings speak to the country’s reputation for quality, security, and innovation. Additionally, CBRE’s Rohini Saluja says that while newer tech hubs are emerging fast, like Ahmedabad, Ho Chi Minh City, and Auckland, existing power players like Singapore are not going anywhere anytime soon. “These cities are investing in education and digital infrastructure, and that’s exciting. But it’ll take time to catch up to the established hubs,” she said. With its strategic focus on innovation, education, and digital readiness, Singapore continues to stand out as a top destination for tech talent, even as it grapples with rising costs.
