Why Wealthy Chinese Executives are Moving to Singapore and Investing in the City-State
Singapore has become a destination of choice for wealthy Chinese executives and business owners looking to establish family offices in the city-state. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of Chinese nationals relocating to Singapore, attracted by the country's economic opportunities, quality of life, political stability, favorable tax and wealth management policies, and large ethnic Chinese population.
The trend of wealthy Chinese nationals moving to Singapore has brought substantial investment capital to the city-state. According to a report by the United Overseas Bank (UOB), Chinese investment in Singapore increased by 76% in 2019, reaching a total of SGD 8.1 billion (USD 5.9 billion). The report also noted that Chinese investment in Singapore's technology sector has been particularly strong, with Chinese companies seeking to tap into Singapore's expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and cybersecurity.
One such example is Li Xiting, the founder and CEO of Mindray, a medical equipment company. In 2020, Li moved his family to Singapore and registered a family office. The move was seen as a signal of his confidence in the long-term prospects of the Southeast Asian region and his desire to diversify his personal and business interests.
Another example is James Liang, the co-founder of Chinese travel giant Ctrip, who also moved to Singapore in 2020. Liang established a family office, citing its favorable tax policies and business environment as key factors in his decision.
In 2019, billionaire Chinese businessman Sun Tongyu also moved to Singapore, reportedly to be closer to his son, who was studying in the city-state. Sun, the founder of Chinese biotech company, Adagene, registered a family office in Singapore, joining the ranks of other wealthy Chinese nationals who have established a presence in the city-state.
One of the reasons for this trend is Singapore's large ethnic Chinese population, which makes up around 70% of the country's total population. This means that many Chinese nationals who move to Singapore feel more comfortable and face fewer cultural and language barriers than they might in other countries.
In addition, Singapore's reputation as a global financial hub and its favorable tax policies have made it an attractive destination for establishing family offices. The country's high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and cosmopolitan culture are also major draws for wealthy Chinese individuals looking to relocate.
Furthermore, geopolitical tensions between China and other countries have increased in recent years, making some Chinese business owners and executives concerned about the potential impact on their investments and businesses. Moving to Singapore can help them diversify their holdings and reduce their exposure to geopolitical risks.
Singapore's government has actively promoted the city-state as a destination for family offices, establishing a new regulatory framework in 2019. This move is expected to attract more family offices to the city-state, including those established by wealthy Chinese nationals.
In conclusion, the trend of wealthy Chinese executives and business owners moving to Singapore and establishing family offices has brought substantial investment capital to the city-state, particularly in the technology sector. This trend is expected to continue as more Chinese individuals seek to take advantage of Singapore's economic opportunities, favorable business environment, and high quality of life, further strengthening the city-state's position as a global financial hub.
Brian Su CEO/President Artisan Business Group, Inc. Contact: briansu0804@gmail.com