Singapore’s High-Growth Sectors & Opportunities for Global Founders

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撰稿人Ho Tien

Summary: Singapore’s High-Growth Sectors & Opportunities for Global Founders

Singapore has rapidly emerged as a premier launchpad in Asia for global entrepreneurs, thanks to robust government backing, advanced infrastructure, and strategic positioning in the region. In the next 5–10 years, five key sectors—Technology, FinTech, Green Economy, Advanced Manufacturing, and Biomedical Sciences—are poised for explosive growth, each supported by targeted funding, pro-business regulations, and sector-specific talent schemes.

🌐 1. Technology & Innovation (ICT/AI)

Singapore is investing S$1 billion in AI and compute infrastructure, and launched a S$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative. With over 80 global tech giants based here, founders benefit from Smart Nation policies, tax incentives, and grants under Startup SG. Foreigners can access special passes like Tech.Pass and incubator tie-ups from AWS, Google, and NVIDIA.

💳 2. Financial Technology (FinTech)

With over 1,600 FinTechs, Singapore is Southeast Asia’s leading FinTech hub. MAS offers regulatory sandboxes, clarity in digital assets licensing, and strong support via FSTI 3.0 (S$150M). Major events like the Singapore FinTech Festival and partnerships like the UK–Singapore FinTech Bridge enable global founders to pilot, scale, and integrate solutions regionally.

♻️ 3. Green Economy & Sustainability

Through the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the country is investing in clean energy, green finance, and carbon markets. Foreign cleantech founders are welcome via initiatives like the Carbon Market Alliance, Enterprise Sustainability Programme, and JTC’s Cleantech Park. R&D in areas such as hydrogen fuel and carbon capture is heavily supported.

🏭 4. Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0

Backed by the Manufacturing 2030 Vision, Singapore targets a 50% increase in manufacturing value-add. New semiconductor fabs, biomedical parks, and government sandboxes make Singapore a hub for deep-tech, smart factories, and robotics. Grants, tax breaks, and cluster infrastructure support both MNCs and foreign startup founders alike.

🧬 5. Biomedical Sciences & Biotech

A S$25B R&D budget powers breakthroughs in genomics, biologics, and medtech. Top pharma players (Pfizer, Sanofi) and startups benefit from Biopolis, A*STAR labs, and SGInnovate funding. Foreign founders can tap EntrePass, Startup SG Equity, and clinical trials infrastructure to innovate and commercialise biotech solutions for Asia.

💼 Visa & Business Facilitation

Schemes like EntrePass, Tech.Pass, and the Global Investor Programme (GIP) streamline relocation and permanent residency. The Startup SG umbrella simplifies access to grants, networks, and regulatory guidance. Company incorporation is fast and investor-friendly, supported by top global rankings in openness and economic freedom.

💰 Capital Access

Singapore is the top VC hub in ASEAN and ranks globally in funding volumes. From traditional VC to sovereign wealth (GIC, Temasek) and family offices, global founders have unparalleled access to capital. Recent additions include a S$1B Private Credit Growth Fund and S$200M Long-Term Investment Fund for patient capital.

In summary, Singapore has engineered a business ecosystem that’s tailor-made for global founders, blending world-class infrastructure with generous incentives and easy market access across Asia.

📘 Table of Contents

  1. 导言

  2. Digital Technology and Innovation (ICT/Tech)

    • AI Strategy 2.0 & Enterprise Compute

    • Smart Nation Vision

    • Startup SG, Tech.Pass & Talent Access

  3. Financial Technology (FinTech)

    • Regulatory Framework (FSTI, Sandbox)

    • Singapore FinTech Festival & APIX

    • International FinTech Founders Support

  4. Green Economy and Sustainability

    • Green Plan 2030 & Clean Energy

    • Green Finance & Carbon Markets

    • Urban Solutions, AgriTech & Foreign Participation

  5. Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

    • Manufacturing 2030 Vision

    • High-Tech Infrastructure (Semiconductors, Biomed)

    • Incentives, Clusters, and GIP for Founders

  6. Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology

    • Biopharma & MedTech Manufacturing

    • Biopolis, A*STAR & SGInnovate

    • Foreign Startup Participation & Grants

  7. Business and Visa Facilitation

    • Startup SG, EntrePass, Tech.Pass, GIP

    • Ecosystem Access: LaunchPad & Global Innovation Alliance

    • Changi T5 Connectivity & Immigration Pathways

  8. Singapore’s World-Class Funding Ecosystem

    • Venture Capital, Family Offices, SWFs

    • Private Credit & Long-Term Investment Funds

  9. Ease of Doing Business & Talent Readiness

    • Company Incorporation & IP Protection

    • Economic Rankings & Skills Development

  10. Conclusion: Why Singapore for Global Founders

  11. Sources and References

 

导言

Singapore’s High-Growth Sectors: Unlocking Opportunities for Global Founders Through Government Support, Funding Access, and Ease of Business

Introduction: Singapore has emerged as a strategic launchpad in Asia for high-growth industries, underpinned by proactive government support and a pro-business ecosystem. In the next 5–10 years, key sectors like technology, fintech, green industries, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology are poised for significant growth. Each of these sectors benefit from targeted government initiatives – from generous R&D funding and industry transformation plans to tax incentives and talent programs – that not only fuel domestic innovation but also welcome foreign entrepreneurs to participate. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and related agencies actively court global startups and founders in these fields, ensuring that overseas entrepreneurs (including those from the US, UK, and China) find a conducive environment to set up regional headquarters and scale their ventures (EDB Year 2024 in Review | Singapore EDB). The following report analyses five high-growth sectors with strong government backing, detailing key initiatives and how foreign founders can leverage them for success in Singapore.

1. Digital Technology and Innovation (ICT/Tech)

To further support digital innovation, the 2025 Budget introduced a new S$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative. This scheme helps businesses access computing power, cloud services, and AI consultancy from providers like AWS, Microsoft and Google. It complements the existing AI ecosystem and supports foreign founders seeking infrastructure to build AI-driven solutions.

Singapore is positioning itself as a global tech powerhouse, building on its robust digital infrastructure and Smart Nation vision. The infocomm & technology sector is growing rapidly, and the government has committed heavy investments to sustain this growth. Over 80 of the world’s top tech firms have operations in Singapore, drawn by its advanced connectivity (nationwide 5G) and innovation-friendly environment. Emerging areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud services, and smart city solutions are particular focal points.

  • National Strategies and Investments: Under Singapore’s updated National AI Strategy 2.0, the government is investing S$1 billion over the next five years in AI research compute infrastructure, industry projects, and talent development. This is part of the broader Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan, which allocates S$25–28 billion for R&D across multiple sectors including tech. Flagship programs like the Smart Nation Initiative drive nationwide adoption of digital solutions in public services and urban living, creating ample opportunities for tech companies to test-bed innovations in a real-world environment.

    Singapore is also offering a 100% tax deduction for innovation-related payments under approved cost-sharing agreements (CSA), as well as new grants under the National Productivity Fund. These are designed to attract high-value and research-intensive activities, which is particularly beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs establishing global R&D hubs in Singapore.

  • Ecosystem and Funding Programs: Singapore supports a vibrant tech startup ecosystem through platforms and grants. For example, the Open Innovation Platform connects companies with tech startups and researchers to co-develop solutions. Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), a joint office of EDB, EnterpriseSG, and IMDA, provides a one-stop facilitation for tech businesses. In 2024 alone, DISG helped attract 26 new AI Centers of Excellence from global firms to Singapore, while EDB partnered with accelerators by Google, AWS, and NVIDIA to support over 50 promising AI startups. Such initiatives ensure that even foreign-founded startups can easily plug into Singapore’s innovation network and access mentorship, corporate partnerships, and R&D facilities.

    A new S$1 billion Private Credit Growth Fund and a S$200 million Long Term Investment Fund have been introduced to support startups and growth-stage companies with 'patient capital'—providing alternatives to traditional VC/PE routes.

  • Talent and Visa Support: To sustain the tech sector’s growth, Singapore has rolled out schemes to attract top global talent and entrepreneurs. The Tech.Pass, for instance, is a special visa that allows established tech entrepreneurs and experts from around the world to live in Singapore and concurrently start companies, take on corporate roles, or mentor startups. This complements the Startup SG programs (by Enterprise Singapore), which unify various startup support schemes. Under Startup SG, foreign founders can benefit from mentorship and funding (e.g. Startup SG Founder grants) and even an “entrepreneurial visa” to relocate and build their startup in Singapore. These efforts create a welcoming environment for overseas tech founders – whether a Silicon Valley AI engineer or a UK digital health startup team – to base in Singapore and access Asia’s markets with strong government backing.

2. Financial Technology (FinTech)

FinTech is a standout growth sector in Singapore’s economy, bolstered by the nation’s status as a global financial centre and a forward-looking regulator. Singapore is home to a large and diverse FinTech ecosystem of over 1,600 firms as of 2023, spanning payments, digital banking, blockchain/Web3, insurtech, regtech, and more (Fintech market in Singapore). Industry surveys show about 80% of FinTech firms are optimistic about Singapore’s growth outlook (FinTech’s state of play 2.0: Understanding Singapore’s FinTech landscape 2024 | PwC Singapore). This optimism is underpinned by strong government support through the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and related agencies.

  • Pro-Innovation Regulatory Framework: MAS has taken a facilitative yet prudent approach to FinTech. It launched the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation (FSTI) scheme in 2015, which has been renewed through 2025 to provide sizable grants for FinTech experiments, talent development, and infrastructure. In its latest round, FSTI 3.0 is providing S$150 million over 3 years to support innovative projects, including in green FinTech. MAS also pioneered initiatives like the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox, enabling local and foreign startups to test new financial solutions in a controlled environment. Crucially, Singapore introduced an enabling payments regulatory regime (the Payment Services Act) that consolidates licenses and provides clarity for emerging sectors such as e-wallets, remittances, and crypto exchanges. Regulatory clarity from MAS – for example in digital asset licensing – has been a key driver for the expansion of Web3 and crypto firms in Singapore. This clear rulebook gives foreign FinTech innovators confidence to operate regionally from Singapore.

  • Government-Led Ecosystem Building: Singapore hosts the annual Singapore FinTech Festival, the world’s largest FinTech event, which is a platform for global startups to connect with investors, banks, and regulators. MAS has also established APIX (API Exchange), a global open-innovation platform that allows foreign FinTechs to collaborate with financial institutions in Singapore and the region. To strengthen specific niches, MAS and other agencies fund industry sandboxes – for instance, digital banks (Singapore awarded digital full bank licenses to new entrants, including a consortium involving China’s Ant Group) and blockchain innovation (through the Project Ubin initiative for digital currencies). The result is a comprehensive FinTech hub: Singapore is ranked among the top FinTech hubs globally and attracted over US$4.1 billion in FinTech investment in 2022, the highest in Southeast Asia (FinTech and Innovation - Monetary Authority of Singapore). Below is a Mapping of Singapore’s FinTech ecosystem by sub-sector (2024). Payments (25%) form the largest segment, followed by areas like RegTech (15%), Web3/Blockchain (16%), and wealth management tech (11%). The diverse mix showcases opportunities across the FinTech spectrum, all supported by Singapore’s conducive policies (Fintech market in Singapore).

Mapping Singapore’s 2024 Fintech Industry

Source: PWC



  • Opportunities for Foreign Founders: International FinTech entrepreneurs find Singapore attractive as a launchpad to Asia. The government’s support extends to foreign founders through ease of business setup (100% foreign ownership allowed, fast online incorporation) and targeted schemes. For example, overseas FinTech startups can tap Startup SG Accelerator programs to get incubated by MAS-supported accelerators and access grants. Talent visas like EntrePass and Tech.Pass are available for FinTech founders/experts, lowering barriers to relocation. Singapore also has FinTech cooperation agreements with countries like the UK and US, facilitating market entry (e.g., the UK–Singapore FinTech Bridge fosters cross-border projects and regulatory alignment). With its deep capital pools and strong investor base, Singapore offers foreign FinTech firms not only a supportive policy environment but also access to clients and venture funding. It’s no surprise that global FinTech companies such as Revolut (UK) and TransferWise (UK) chose Singapore for their Asian HQ, while Chinese FinTechs like Ant and Tencent have significant operations in Singapore to serve global markets.

3. Green Economy and Sustainability

Sustainability is a national priority in Singapore, with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 charting a path to green growth and net-zero emissions by 2050. The “Green Economy” is identified as a key engine for jobs and innovation – meaning that businesses in clean energy, urban solutions, and carbon services can expect strong tailwinds. The government explicitly aims to “harness sustainability as a competitive advantage” and is backing this with incentives to decarbonize traditional industries and incubate new green sectors.

  • Clean Energy and Decarbonization Initiatives: Singapore is investing in a multi-pronged energy transition despite its resource constraints. There are grants to spur energy efficiency and emissions reduction in companies – for example, EDB’s Resource Efficiency Grant helps manufacturers adopt technologies to cut energy use (Green Economy), and the National Environment Agency’s fund subsidizes up to 70% of energy-efficient equipment costs. The government is also partnering with industry on emerging low-carbon solutions like hydrogen fuel, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and sustainable fuels, given their potential to help decarbonize at scale. These initiatives signal that foreign cleantech firms (whether working on carbon capture tech, solar innovations, or energy storage) will find a ready testbed and support in Singapore. For instance, Singapore has rolled out one of the world’s largest floating solar farms and is piloting green hydrogen use – projects open to international solution providers.

  • Green Finance and Carbon Services Hub: Leveraging its financial hub status, Singapore aspires to be Asia’s leading centre for green finance and carbon trading. MAS has committed significant funds (including a dedicated Green Finance Investment Programme of US$2 billion) to catalyse green financing and insure climate-related projects. The number of carbon services and trading firms in Singapore more than doubled from 2021 to 2023, reaching about 140 companies active in carbon credit verification, trading, and consulting. To accelerate this, EDB launched the Singapore Carbon Market Alliance and a Carbon Project grant to incentivize carbon credit developers to set up in Singapore. Such moves, along with Singapore’s participation in international carbon offset frameworks (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement), make it an attractive base for foreign companies involved in carbon markets and climate fintech. Additionally, Singapore and the UK signed a Framework Agreement (2023) to cooperate on clean energy and green finance, further integrating Singapore into global green value chains.

  • Urban Solutions, AgriTech and Others: As a densely populated city-state, Singapore has developed cutting-edge urban sustainability solutions – from water recycling (NEWater) to waste-to-energy plants – often in collaboration with foreign tech providers. The “Urban Solutions & Sustainability” sector is supported under industry transformation maps, and JTC’s Cleantech Park and Agri-Food Innovation Park provide infrastructure for cleantech and agri-tech startups. For example, to boost food security, Singapore’s government aims to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030 (“30 by 30” goal) and is actively supporting agri-food tech. This includes funding vertical farming, cultured meat and alternative protein ventures. Notably, Singapore was the first country to approve lab-grown meat for sale, a result of close regulatory-scientific collaboration that has drawn US food-tech companies (like Eat Just and Impossible Foods) to establish facilities in Singapore. Foreign startups in sustainable agriculture, water tech, green building tech, and related fields will find not only R&D support under RIE (for renewable energy, circular economy solutions, etc.) but also a living lab environment where government agencies often partner to deploy new solutions city-wide.

  • Support for Foreign Entrepreneurs: Green economy initiatives in Singapore are open to international participation. Enterprise Singapore’s Enterprise Sustainability Programme offers funding and training to help businesses (local or foreign-owned) develop sustainable products and adopt green standards. There are also specific facilitation programs: for instance, the Global Innovation Alliance has nodes in countries like France and Japan focusing on urban solutions, which can soft-land foreign greentech startups into Singapore’s ecosystem. While there isn’t a special “green visa,” general schemes like EntrePass are very much applicable to cleantech startup founders. Moreover, Singapore’s emphasis on sustainability means impact investors and government-linked funds here are actively seeking green projects – a boon for foreign founders looking for funding and partnerships. In short, Singapore’s government is not only greening the economy but positioning the country as a launchpad for green innovation in Asia, with substantial opportunities for overseas entrepreneurs to lead or collaborate in this transformation.

4. Advancd Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Manufacturing has long been a pillar of Singapore’s economy, and it is set for major expansion and upgrading by 2030. The government’s Manufacturing 2030 vision explicitly targets a 50% increase in manufacturing value-add by 2030, aiming to establish Singapore as a global hub for Advanced Manufacturing in areas like semiconductors, precision engineering, chemicals, and aerospace (Singapore Economy 2030). This strategy is backed by significant policy support, ensuring that companies at the forefront of Industry 4.0 (automation, robotics, IoT, digitalization) will thrive. Notably, even as manufacturing grows, Singapore focuses on “smarter, greener, and more connected” production to remain competitive (Advanced Manufacturing | Industry 4.0 | Singapore EDB). Despite it’s small size, Singapore rank’s 5th in the world in terms of total value exported for High Technology Exports based on the latest survey by the World Bank in 2023.

High Value Exports (USD Billion)

Source: World Bank

Two major infrastructure developments announced in 2025 will strengthen deep-tech ecosystems. A new S$500 million national semiconductor R&D fabrication facility under the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre will provide shared cleanroom space and advanced packaging capabilities. In the biomedical sector, a new S$500 million science park will enhance biomedical research and promote stronger partnerships between A*STAR, industry, and academia.

  • High-Tech Industrial Base: Singapore already hosts many world-class manufacturing facilities operated by leading multinationals. For example, in electronics and semiconductors, companies like Micron, Infineon and GlobalFoundries run state-of-the-art wafer fabrication plants in Singapore. In pharmaceuticals, Singapore is a manufacturing base for 4 of the world’s top 5 pharma companies (Pfizer, Novartis, Merck/MSD, Sanofi, etc.), producing high-value drugs and biologics for global markets (Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology | Singapore EDB). Overall, Singapore is the world’s 5th largest exporter of high-tech goods, and even manufactures 4 of the world’s top 10 drugs by volume. These achievements are a result of decades of government effort to attract advanced producers with incentives and to build an ecosystem of suppliers, engineers, and researchers.

  • Industry 4.0 and Innovation Programs: To keep manufacturers at the cutting edge, Singapore invests heavily in advanced manufacturing R&D and industry transformation. The government established model Smart Factories and labs in collaboration with research institutes (like A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre) where companies can jointly develop automation solutions. Under the Precision Engineering and Electronics Industry Transformation Maps, grants are available for SMEs to adopt robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and digital twin technologies. Singapore ranked 3rd globally for manufacturing value-add in the Bloomberg Innovation Index (Advanced Manufacturing | Industry 4.0 | Singapore EDB), reflecting its push for high productivity. A notable initiative is the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI), a framework by EDB to help factories (including those of foreign firms) assess and improve their Industry 4.0 maturity – this has been internationally recognized and encourages continuous tech upgrades. Additionally, workforce upskilling programs (often co-funded by government) ensure a steady pipeline of skilled technicians and engineers, addressing a key concern for foreign manufacturers looking to set up in Singapore.

  • Incentives and Infrastructure: The EDB offers targeted incentives for manufacturing projects that bring in leading capabilities. Schemes such as the Pioneer Certificate Incentive and Development & Expansion Incentive provide tax breaks to firms investing in new advanced production lines or innovative industrial projects in Singapore (Singapore, an Eco-Friendly City, and Government Incentives for ...). There are also grants for equipment automation and energy-efficient tech (aligning with the green push). On the infrastructure side, Singapore has developed industry-specific clusters like One-North (for biomedical R&D and startups), Tuas Biomedical Park (for pharma manufacturing), Jurong Innovation District (for advanced manufacturing and robotics, where companies like Siemens and Hyundai have set up innovation centres), and Seletar Aerospace Park (for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance). These clusters offer ready-built facilities and even sandbox zones to test technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicles within industrial parks). The government often co-invests in such infrastructure, lowering entry costs for companies.

  • Foreign Companies and Founders: The advanced manufacturing boom in Singapore is inclusive of foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Many U.S., European, and increasingly Chinese companies choose Singapore for their Asian manufacturing hubs due to its reliability and supportive policies. For instance, U.S. firms like Micron and MSD, UK firms like Rolls-Royce, and German firms like Siemens have major operations that benefit from Singapore’s grants and close partnership with agencies. Chinese high-tech manufacturers are also welcomed – e.g., Zhejiang’s Haier set up a research centre for smart home appliances, and Shanghai’s semiconductor firms have explored Singapore for expansion. Beyond large firms, there’s room for startup-style innovators: if a foreign entrepreneur has developed a novel manufacturing tech (say a robotics solution or advanced materials startup), Singapore’s ecosystem (through incubators like Advanced Remanufacturing hub or accelerators focused on hardware) can support scaling it up. The Global Investor Programme (GIP) even offers a path to permanent residency for those who invest S$10+ million in new businesses, which is attractive to founders establishing significant manufacturing ventures. In summary, Singapore’s government is ensuring that the manufacturing sector’s growth – in aerospace, electronics, medtech, etc. – is accompanied by an open door to global firms and experts to bring in frontier technologies and leadership.

5. Biomedical Science and Biotechnology

The biomedical sciences sector (encompassing pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology) in Singapore has seen tremendous growth, and the government continues to heavily promote it as a future engine of innovation. Over the past two decades, Singapore invested billions to become a leading biomedical hub in Asia, and it now reaps significant output – in 2022, pharma manufacturing output exceeded S$19 billion, more than triple the output in 2000 (Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology | Singapore EDB). With rising global demand for healthcare and Asia’s aging populations, Singapore is doubling down on biotech R&D, biopharma manufacturing, and healthcare tech startups, with ample opportunities for foreign companies and founders to contribute.

  • World-Class Biopharma Manufacturing: Singapore’s emphasis on quality and reliability has made it a trusted site for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Industry leaders such as Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi, AbbVie, Amgen, Merck/MSD and GSK all have major production facilities in Singapore. These plants produce active pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccines, biologic drugs, and nutritional products for global export. Singapore has earned a sterling regulatory reputation – in over 30 years, no local pharma plant has received a critical citation from the US FDA, underscoring the high compliance standards. To maintain competitiveness, the government partners with industry on initiatives like the Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore (PIPS) consortium, which brings companies together to develop next-gen manufacturing processes (e.g., continuous manufacturing, advanced process analytics). The continued expansion of big pharma in Singapore (recent example: AstraZeneca’s first end-to-end biologics manufacturing facility in Asia for new cancer therapeutics (EDB Year 2024 in Review | Singapore EDB)) is supported by EDB incentives and shows foreign investors that Singapore is committed to being a base for cutting-edge biomanufacturing.

  • Cutting-Edge Research and Biotech Startups: Alongside manufacturing, Singapore has built a thriving biomedical R&D ecosystem. The government’s RIE allocated a large share (one of four domains) to “Human Health and Potential” research, with S$25 billion committed to public R&D funding that includes biomedical sciences from 2021-2025. Institutes in the Biopolis research park (like Genome Institute of Singapore, Bioinformatics Institute, etc.) collaborate with industry and startup companies on drug discovery, genomics, precision medicine, and medical devices. This has attracted the external innovation teams of companies like Johnson & Johnson to Singapore, where they scout and co-develop products with emerging biotechs. In recent years, homegrown and foreign-founded biotech startups have flourished, supported by government initiatives such as SGInnovate (a venture catalyst for deep-tech startups including biotech) and Startup SG Equity, a co-investment scheme that matches private VC funds for early-stage tech companies ([PDF] General/For Startups - Enterprise Singapore). Foreign scientists or healthtech entrepreneurs will find Singapore’s ecosystem very accessible – for instance, they can partner with A*STAR research labs, conduct clinical trials in Singapore’s excellent hospital system, and get mentorship through programs like the Singapore Biodesign initiative at universities. Additionally, regulatory agility (Singapore was quick to approve new medtech like telemedicine platforms and even mRNA vaccines for trials) makes it a favourable place to introduce healthcare innovations.

  • MedTech and Healthcare Innovation: Beyond drugs and biotech, Singapore’s medtech sector is growing with government support. The country hosts manufacturing of medical devices (e.g., by Medtronic, BD, Thermo Fisher) and also serves as a launch market for digital health apps, diagnostics, and health services. The government’s Healthcare Industry Transformation Map works to integrate new tech into the healthcare system, often collaborating with startups. There are innovation grants specifically targeting medtech device development and health AI. Overseas medtech startups often choose Singapore to pilot new products in Asia due to the strong IP protection and a diverse patient population for testing. The Global Investor Programme has an option tailored for healthcare/biotech investors as well, encouraging established foreign biotech entrepreneurs to invest and settle in Singapore (for instance, by setting up a research lab or regional HQ, with fast-track residency as an incentive).

  • Opportunities for Foreign Founders: The biomedical sector’s openness is illustrated by the variety of foreign players in Singapore – from Big Pharma companies to venture-backed biotech startups from the US and Europe that have set up labs here to target Asian markets. Singapore actively attracts top international scientific talent and entrepreneurs: programs like the EntrePass work visa are explicitly aimed at high-calibre innovators (e.g., biotech PhD entrepreneurs) starting companies in Singapore. The country’s robust IP laws and research infrastructure mean that a biotech startup can securely develop its technology and even manufacture clinical-grade material locally. Moreover, government grants like Early-Stage Venture Funding and Proof-of-Concept grants (often under the Startup SG Tech scheme) are open to Singapore-based companies regardless of the founder’s nationality, provided they are incorporated in Singapore. For Chinese and Indian biotech companies looking to go global, Singapore offers a neutral base with strong international connectivity to conduct trials and seek FDA/EU approvals. For Western biotech firms, having a base in Singapore can ease expansion into Asia. All these factors, combined with aggressive government support (spanning funding, infrastructure, and connections), make Singapore a uniquely supportive location for foreign biomedical founders intent on pioneering the next wave of healthcare innovations in Asia.

Business and Visa Facilitation for Overseas Entrepreneurs

To support businesses with rising costs, the government is offering a 50% Corporate Income Tax rebate for YA2025, capped at S$40,000. Eligible companies with at least one local employee will receive a minimum benefit of S$2,000 via a cash grant.

While each sector above has specific initiatives, Singapore also provides broad support mechanisms to facilitate foreign entrepreneurs and business owners setting up in the country. The government’s approach is holistic: make it easy to start and run a company, offer incentives to grow, and provide pathways for global talent to live and work in Singapore. Key programs include:

  • Startup SG Programme: An umbrella for startup support, Startup SG offers a suite of resources – from grants (e.g., Startup SG Founder grant of S$50k for early-stage startups) to mentorship and networking platforms. Notably, Startup SG Talent initiatives help international founders connect with Singapore’s ecosystem and gain an “entrepreneurial pass” to work in the country (Join Startup SG). Singapore’s startup ecosystem is highly international, and Startup SG unifies efforts to welcome both local and foreign ventures by easing access to funding, incubators, and talent pools.

  • EntrePass Visa: The EntrePass is a work visa specifically for eligible foreign entrepreneurs who wish to found and operate innovative startups in Singapore. Aimed at “serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators and experienced investors”, EntrePass allows founders to relocate and build their business, and provides access to Singapore’s startup community and events. Criteria for EntrePass include having venture funding or being incubated by recognized accelerators, which align with attracting quality foreign startups. This visa has made it possible for founders from the US, UK, China, India and beyond to call Singapore home while growing their companies.

  • Tech.Pass and Other Talent Passes: For experienced tech founders or specialists who may not fit the early-stage profile of EntrePass, Singapore introduced Tech.Pass in 2021. Tech.Pass is an exclusive visa that lets established tech entrepreneurs or experts “from around the world come to Singapore to perform frontier and disruptive innovations.” It is an individualized 2-year pass that confers flexibility – holders can concurrently start companies, take up employment, mentor, or invest, without needing separate work permits. This is particularly attractive to founders of growth-stage companies or tech executives (e.g., from Silicon Valley or Shenzhen) who want to base themselves in Singapore’s innovation scene. In addition, traditional employment passes have been made more streamlined for startup hires, and programs like Global Entrepreneurial Executive under EDB facilitate bringing in founding team members.

  • Global Investor Programme (GIP): For high-net-worth entrepreneurs or business owners, the GIP offers a route to Singapore permanent residency if they make substantial investments in the country. By investing a minimum amount (several million dollars) into either a new business, expansion of an existing business, or an approved fund, foreign investors can qualify for PR. The GIP is often leveraged by founders of sizeable companies from China or the West who are setting up regional headquarters or innovation centres in Singapore as a strategic base. While not the focus for early startups, GIP underscores Singapore’s openness to global business leaders and provides flexibility for them to make Singapore a long-term home base.

  • Launchpad and Ecosystem Access: Beyond formal visas, foreign founders benefit from Singapore’s highly networked ecosystem. JTC LaunchPad @ One-North is a startup campus housing hundreds of startups and VCs, including many foreign-founded ones, fostering collaboration in close proximity. Government agencies and industry groups frequently organize networking events, innovation challenges, and market access programs (e.g., via the Global Innovation Alliance, which links Singapore with tech hubs in markets like San Francisco, London, Shanghai, etc.). These create soft landing opportunities – for instance, a UK startup may join a GIA accelerator to explore the ASEAN market through Singapore, with government support in navigating business culture and regulations.

    Singapore is investing S$5 billion to expand Changi Airport with the construction of Terminal 5, which will increase capacity by over 50%. This will significantly enhance regional and global connectivity, making Singapore an even more attractive base for foreign businesses looking to access the ASEAN and wider Asian markets.

Singapore's World-Class Funding Ecosystem

Beyond government grants, Singapore boasts a dynamic and mature funding landscape, providing crucial capital for startups and growth-stage companies founded by both local and international entrepreneurs.

Vibrant Venture Capital (VC) Hub: Singapore is the undisputed VC hub of Southeast Asia, hosting a high concentration of global, regional, and local VC firms (e.g., Sequoia Capital Southeast Asia, Vertex Ventures, Monk's Hill Ventures, Wavemaker Partners). Billions are deployed annually across various stages, from seed and early-stage (Series A, B) to growth equity. Foreign founders benefit from this density, increasing their chances of securing funding through networking, accelerator programs, and direct outreach.

Within ASEAN, Singapore stands out amongst its peers as the top deal making country in the region in both deal volume and deal value.

Venture Funding Deal Volume and Value Per Market in the First 9 Months Of 2024

Source: Pitchbook and Enterprise Singapore

Globally, Singapore is among the top 5 VC funding markets.

Share Of Venture Funding Deal Value By Top 10 Global Startup Ecosystems* In 9M24

Source:  Pitchbook and Enterprise Singapore

* List of ecosystem based on Startup Genome Startup Ecosystem Ranking 2024, Top 10

The government's introduction of a S$1 billion Private Credit Growth Fund (PCGF) to provide non-dilutive customised financing to best meet the diverse needs of these promising local enterprises and a S$200 million Long Term Investment Fund (LTIF) which will make investments beyond the typical 3- to 7-year term in order to provide highly patient growth capital.

  • Growing Influence of Family Offices: Singapore has witnessed exponential growth in the number of Family Offices setting up shop, attracted by stability, tax incentives, and the region's wealth creation. These entities are increasingly sophisticated investors, participating in direct startup investments, co-investing alongside VCs, or backing VC funds. They often provide strategic, long-term capital, particularly valuable for deep-tech or B2B ventures.

  • Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds and Government-Linked Capital: Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Funds, GIC and Temasek Holdings, play a significant, albeit often indirect, role. They invest in global technology trends and act as Limited Partners (LPs) in many VC funds active in the region. Furthermore, government-linked investment arms like EDBI (the corporate investment arm of EDB) directly invest in strategic growth-stage companies that align with Singapore’s economic priorities, including those founded by foreign entrepreneurs bringing unique technologies or market access.

Accessing this ecosystem requires strategic networking, often facilitated through introductions via accelerators, government agencies like Enterprise Singapore, industry events, and professional service providers.

Unmatched Ease of Doing Business and Business Facilitation

Singapore consistently ranks among the world's top countries for ease of doing business, a critical factor for entrepreneurs focused on minimizing friction and maximizing speed to market. This reputation is built on efficiency, transparency, and strong rule of law. For example, Singapore has been ranked first among 129 countries in the World Openness Index consistently since 2008.

The 10 Most Open Economies in 2022

Source: Institute of World Economics and Politics

Singapore also ranks first in Economic Freedom Index which is a composite index of ten components grouped into four broad categories: Rule of Law; Limited Government; Regulatory Efficiency and Open Markets. The overall economic freedom is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, where 100 represents the maximum freedom.

Economic freedom Index for 2024 (Higher is better)


  • Streamlined Company Incorporation: Opening a company in Singapore is remarkably straightforward and fast[1]. Requirements are clear: minimum one shareholder, one resident director (can be an Employment Pass holder), a local registered address, and a qualified company secretary. Services exist to assist foreign founders in meeting the resident director requirement initially.

  • Competitive Business Environment: Compared to many jurisdictions, Singapore offers low corporate tax rates, numerous tax incentives (as detailed in sector analyses), robust intellectual property (IP) protection, and a transparent legal system. The 2025 Budget includes a 50% Corporate Income Tax rebate (capped at S$40,000 for eligible firms) to help businesses manage costs.

  • Comprehensive Visa and Immigration Support: Singapore offers multiple pathways for Singapore immigration, tailored to entrepreneurs and talent:

    • Startup SG Programme & EntrePass: As mentioned, Startup SG unifies support schemes, including grants and mentorship. The EntrePass is specifically designed for innovative foreign founders aiming to establish and run their ventures in Singapore.

    • Tech.Pass: A specialised visa for accomplished global tech leaders, offering flexibility to start businesses, work, mentor, or invest.

    • Employment Pass (EP): The standard work visa for professionals, managers, and executives. Foreign founders often incorporate their company and then apply for an EP as a director or key employee. Singapore has refined its EP application process (e.g., COMPASS framework) to ensure transparency and attract high-quality global talent.

    • Global Investor Programme (GIP): A direct route to Permanent Residency for high-net-worth individuals making substantial business investments in Singapore.

  • Ecosystem Access and Infrastructure: Physical hubs like JTC LaunchPad @ one-north provide a dense ecosystem for startups, VCs, and incubators. The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) connects Singapore to global tech hubs (e.g., San Francisco, London, Shanghai), facilitating market access and soft-landing for foreign startups (Fintech market in Singapore). Major infrastructure projects, like the S$5 billion expansion of Changi Airport (Terminal 5), further enhance Singapore's superb connectivity, crucial for businesses accessing regional and global markets.

  • Deep talent pool: Singapore values a cosmopolitan workforce and the extensive expertise it brings, remaining open to global talent while prioritizing its highly educated local workforce. The country makes significant investments to grow its talent pool through nationwide skills development initiatives that help the workforce keep pace with global economic changes. As a result, businesses benefit from a highly skilled and diverse talent pool, supportive upskilling programs, and initiatives that facilitate knowledge sharing, ensuring a future-ready workforce.

World Talent Ranking 2024

Sources: (i) Channel NewsAsia, ‘Appropriately sized’ unemployment support among ideas for SkillsFuture revamp: Lawrence Wong; (ii) IMD World Competitive Centre, World Talent Ranking 2024

Conclusion: Why Singapore for Global Founders

In sum, Singapore’s pro-business policies and targeted sectoral strategies make it an ideal springboard for overseas founders. The combination of a stable political climate, competitive tax rates, and strong rule of law with generous government incentives is powerful. Sectors such as tech, fintech, green industries, advanced manufacturing, and biotech are not only growing rapidly but are areas where Singapore’s government is investing public funds and crafting future-ready regulations. Foreign entrepreneurs from the US, UK, China or elsewhere can leverage Singapore’s support – be it through funding schemes, innovation labs, or special work passes – to accelerate their ventures. With Southeast Asia’s markets at its doorstep, Singapore offers a strategic, well-supported location for Asia-Pacific headquarters or R&D centres, enabling companies to innovate locally and scale regionally. For an immigration consultancy pitching Singapore, the message is clear: Singapore is open for innovation – and it has built an entire ecosystem to ensure that global founders who choose Singapore will flourish alongside its high-growth sectors.

Sources and References:

 










[1] 1-2 days with local directors and shareholders, or 1-2 weeks with foreign directors and shareholders.

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