Singapore’s Business Landscape: A Directory of Companies You Need to Know
Singapore is a business hub that has gained popularity globally due to its pro-business environment, low tax rates, and highly developed infrastructure. The country’s business landscape is diverse and vibrant, with a wide range of industries and sectors. In this article, we will explore the top companies you need to know in Singapore’s business landscape.
Financial Services
Singapore is home to a thriving financial sector, with many global financial institutions having a presence in the country. Some of the top financial companies in Singapore include:
- DBS Group Holdings Ltd: DBS is one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia, with a presence in 17 countries. It offers a wide range of financial services, including corporate banking, consumer banking, and wealth management.
- OCBC Bank: OCBC is another major bank in Singapore, with a presence in 18 countries. It offers a wide range of financial services, including corporate banking, consumer banking, and wealth management.
- United Overseas Bank (UOB): UOB is a Singaporean bank that offers a wide range of financial services, including corporate banking, consumer banking, and wealth management. It has a presence in 19 countries.
Technology and Telecommunications
Singapore is a hub for technology and telecommunications companies, with many global players having a presence in the country. Some of the top tech and telecom companies in Singapore include:
- Singtel: Singtel is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Singapore, with a presence in 25 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet, and digital services.
- StarHub: StarHub is another major telecommunications company in Singapore, with a presence in 10 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet, and digital services.
- Grab: Grab is a Singaporean ride-hailing company that offers a range of services, including ride-hailing, food delivery, and online payments. It has expanded to several countries in Southeast Asia.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Singapore is a major hub for logistics and supply chain management companies, with many global players having a presence in the country. Some of the top logistics and supply chain management companies in Singapore include:
- DHL: DHL is a global logistics company that has a presence in over 220 countries and territories. It offers a wide range of services, including air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, and supply chain management.
- DB Schenker: DB Schenker is a global logistics company that has a presence in over 130 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, and supply chain management.
- Maersk Line: Maersk Line is a global container shipping company that has a presence in over 130 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including container shipping, logistics, and supply chain management.
Manufacturing and Industry
Singapore is a major manufacturing hub, with many global companies having a presence in the country. Some of the top manufacturing and industry companies in Singapore include:
- Flex: Flex is a global manufacturing company that has a presence in over 30 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including electronics manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management.
- ST Engineering: ST Engineering is a global engineering company that has a presence in over 40 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including aerospace, electronics, and land systems.
- BASF: BASF is a global chemical company that has a presence in over 80 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including chemical production, engineering, and supply chain management.
Healthcare and Biotechnology
Singapore is a major hub for healthcare and biotechnology companies, with many global players having a presence in the country. Some of the top healthcare and biotechnology companies in Singapore include:
- Novartis: Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company that has a presence in over 140 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management.
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): GSK is a global pharmaceutical company that has a presence in over 100 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management.
- AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca is a global pharmaceutical company that has a presence in over 100 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management.
Real Estate and Construction
Singapore is a major hub for real estate and construction companies, with many global players having a presence in the country. Some of the top real estate and construction companies in Singapore include:
- CapitaLand: CapitaLand is a global real estate company that has a presence in over 20 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including property development, investment, and management.
- City Developments Limited (CDL): CDL is a global real estate company that has a presence in over 20 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including property development, investment, and management.
- Keppel Corporation: Keppel Corporation is a global infrastructure and property company that has a presence in over 20 countries. It offers a wide range of services, including property development, infrastructure development, and engineering.
Conclusion
Singapore’s business landscape is diverse and vibrant, with a wide range of industries and sectors. From financial services to technology and telecommunications, logistics and supply chain management, manufacturing and industry, healthcare and biotechnology, and real estate and construction, there is a company in Singapore that can cater to your business needs. Whether you are looking to establish a new business or expand your existing operations, Singapore is a great place to do so.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of doing business in Singapore?
A: Some of the benefits of doing business in Singapore include its pro-business environment, low tax rates, highly developed infrastructure, and skilled workforce.
Q: What are the requirements to set up a company in Singapore?
A: To set up a company in Singapore, you will need to register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. You will also need to obtain a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Q: What are the tax rates in Singapore?
A: The tax rates in Singapore are 8.5% for corporate tax and 22% for personal income tax. There are also other taxes such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) and stamp duty.
Q: How can I find a business partner in Singapore?
A: You can find a business partner in Singapore by attending industry events and conferences, joining business associations and networking groups, and using online platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
Q: What are the language requirements in Singapore?
A: English is the official language of Singapore, but many Singaporeans also speak Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. It is recommended that you learn some basic phrases in English to communicate effectively in Singapore.
Q: What are the cultural norms in Singapore?
A: Singapore is a multicultural society with a mix of Asian and Western cultures. It is important to respect the local customs and traditions, such as keeping noise levels down and not littering.
