By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
13 November 2007
SINGAPORE: According to the latest Country Brand Index, Singapore is – among Asian cities – the country that most people want to live in. Singapore also came up tops among Asian countries in this annual global survey when it came to shopping and fine dining.
On the global stage, Singapore was number three in this category. It was also placed in the third spot, after Sweden and New Zealand, for being environmentally conscious.
The survey has also sealed Singapore's reputation as an attractive business destination.
Singapore was ranked within the world's top 10 countries for best and easiest places to do business.
These were the choices made by over 2,600 international travellers who participated in this year's survey.
Surprising S'pore?
Alicia Wong, Today Online 14 Nov 07;
THE results of this travel survey seem to stand what some Singaporeans believe on its head. According to respondents, the third-best fine-dining experience to be had in all the world is in the Lion City (after France and Italy). It is also one of the top five nightlife destinations.
And apparently, the Republic's malls are surpassed only by those of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
But, ask how good this island metropolis is to do business in, and Singapore's top placing in the prestigious World Bank 2007 rankings goes out the window — it stands in seventh place as an ideal venue and ninth place for ease of doing business in, according to the Country Brand Index (CBI).
The Republic also fell three notches in its "safety" ranking to 10th place this year.
The survey was conducted by FutureBrand, the same international consultant that helped the Singapore Tourism Board position the Uniquely Singapore campaign.
In its third year running, the survey involved 2,600 respondents from seven countries, including frequent travellers. The opinions of more than 50 international travel industry experts were also tapped.
Last year, Singapore ranked second in the Best Country Brand for shopping and nightlife/dining. This year, its rankings in all three areas have slipped.
Pointing to the opening of new clubs and more al fresco dining, Dr Jannie Tay, president of the Singapore Retailers Association, said: "I'm surprised … our nightlife today has never been better, in our view."
Mr Gavin Coombes, the CEO of FutureBrand said there could be greater competition from neighbouring countries and low-cost airlines are "making places like Bangkok more accessible".
Meanwhile, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce executive director Phillip Overmyer said it seemed the study was "largely based on tourist evaluations" and looked at business destinations in the context of tourism. The World Bank's ranking of Singapore as the most business-friendly economy is a "better indicator", he added.
Mr Coombes, however, thought the CBI findings signalled that expectations were shifting. While Singapore has always had the best business infrastructure and English-speaking staff, companies are now looking for proximity to China, he said. They are also paying a "higher premium" for creativity instead of just efficiency.
Also, "hot spots like Thailand and the Philippines" could have increased perceptions of threats to Singapore's security.
