Currently, there are around 400 Swiss companies headquartered in Singapore.
Boasting of a 28,000-strong workforce composed mostly of Singaporeans, Swiss companies in the city consider local talent to be their most valuable asset. Educated, multilingual, and with a good work ethic, Singaporeans are what keeps Swiss business booming in ASEAN. In fact, Singapore is Switzerland’s largest trading partner in the region, and Switzerland is amongst the top five investors in Singapore.
With bilateral relations going back almost 200 years with now over 400 Swiss companies making their home in the city, the ties between the two countries have been going strong. Dr Tom Ludescher, Chairman, Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SwissCham), said that the relationship between Singapore and Switzerland go beyond business—the two countries share important values, such as reliability, integrity, and, most importantly, honouring one’s word.
“These shared values, combined with a culture of continuous innovation make Singapore and Switzerland attractive for foreign companies and investors, as can be seen from the top scores in international rankings on business friendliness and competitiveness. The long-term stability, predictability, and credibility give comfort for local talent and industries to commit themselves to their homeland and attract foreign talent and foreign investors,” Ludescher said.
At present, Swiss companies in Singapore employ local talent for the banking, transport & logistics, specialty chemicals, biotech, insurance or reinsurance, and professional services industries. From the birth of Singapore in 1965, Swiss companies have been a constant employer and investor, sharing in Singapore’s economic success.
