Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Survey Finds S'pore The Best Place To Live For Asian Expats

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 04 March 2008

When it comes to work and play for Asian expats, Singapore is the number one choice.

This is according to a recent survey by ECA International, a global human resources organisation.

Singapore has maintained the top spot for ten years now but regionally, it is getting tough competition from Japan and even Hong Kong.

The survey found that Singapore's infrastructure, low crime rate and lack of social and political tensions were the main factors behind its draw.

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"For us, it's very peaceful and we don't feel any hassle or difficulties. So I think for us it's the best place," said an expatriate.

"Growth is planned. That's one of the reasons we feel we have more value for money here," said another.

But there are some factors that Singapore needs to address if it wishes to remain at the top spot.

Firstly, it has to counter the haze issue caused by forest fires in neighbouring countries.

It also has to make sure that property and rental prices are affordable for Asian expats.

"It's pretty good to work here and earn money but not for retirement," said an expat.

"It's not like Australia is any worse than Singapore, so I would say it's personal choice at the end of the day," said another.

Sydney came in second in the rankings, while Melbourne and Kobe tied in third place.

Hong Kong went up the rankings by eight spots to reach the 15th position this year.

Most Chinese cities, like Beijing, while they are not in the top 100, they have risen quite rapidly in the rankings over the last five years.

But this progress may soon plateau. Lee Quane, ECA International's general manager in Hong Kong, explained: "Pollution levels in mainland Chinese cities are consistently high....the highest among the cities which we include in our rankings."

Air quality is one factor considered in the rankings. - CNA/ir

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