LettersLike Hong Kong, Singapore proves itself a vital ‘superconnector’ economy

As the global economy becomes more fragmented, predictability is becoming an increasingly valuable asset. This is where “superconnectors” are uniquely positioned to create value. Beyond connecting trade and investment flows, superconnector economies provide a predictable environment for businesses to operate across borders with confidence.

For decades, Hong Kong has played this role, serving as a bridge between mainland China and international capital, legal systems and trade.

Singapore, too, is emerging as a defining example. Just as Hong Kong connects China and the world, Singapore bridges Southeast Asia and the world.

Research by the Asia Competitiveness Institute suggests that global investors are increasingly leveraging Singapore as a hub and conduit for expansion into neighbouring Southeast Asian economies as economic weight shifts to the region. One estimate finds that nearly half of investment from Singapore into Malaysia originates elsewhere – predominantly the United States and Japan, but also increasingly from China – and only passes through Singapore.

Annual new Chinese subsidiary registrations in Singapore rose from over 3,000 in 2022 to more than 10,000 in 2025, based on our estimates using Orbis company data, alongside rising foreign direct investment inflows.

Importantly, aside from serving as a regional launch pad, Singapore is actively shaping new frameworks that govern connectivity across digital trade, green shipping and supply chain resilience. Through what might be called flexible multilateralism – forging agreements among smaller coalitions of like-minded partners rather than waiting for multilateral consensus – Singapore has become an early architect of the rules on emerging issues.