As geopolitical dynamics shift, Singapore has emerged as a focal point for Taiwanese and international investment, underpinned by its stable financial system and neutral political stance. The city-state offers distinct advantages for established companies, startups, and mobile talent, though it maintains rigorous standards for entry and operation.
To examine the current immigration and investment climate, DIGITIMES interviewed Ting-Chieh Chen, President of the Youth Chapter of the Singapore Taipei Business Association.
Tightened operational and workplace standards
While Singapore provides an open and secure operating environment, Chen noted that establishing a physical office is not straightforward. The government has increased scrutiny of self-sponsored Employment Pass (EP) applications, requiring firms to demonstrate genuine revenue streams and stable operations rather than existing solely to secure visas.
This rigor extends to workplace culture, where Singapore emphasizes efficiency and results over the traditional overtime culture common in Taiwan. In the post-pandemic era, remote work and flexible hours have become standard for many technology and foreign-invested firms.
However, Chen stated that this flexibility is coupled with significant performance pressure. If employees fail to meet targets for several consecutive months, companies will initiate a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). If performance does not improve, termination may follow. This transparent system creates a fast-paced environment that attracts talent seeking fair competition.
Industrial synergy and capital advantages
Chen identified strong complementarity in industrial cooperation between Taiwan and Singapore. Taiwan's strengths lie in the precision of its technology, specifically in semiconductor manufacturing, hardware engineering, and system integration. In contrast, Singapore offers global connectivity, a robust regulatory framework, and a capital platform with deep experience in international management.
While major semiconductor players like TSMC have increased investment, Singapore also presents growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Taiwanese startups and SMEs are finding traction in AI applications, vertical industry solutions for healthcare, finance, and logistics, and localized compliance services for multinational corporations.
Innovation is further supported by government-backed research institutions, such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), which provides scholarships and high-tech talent subsidies to ease research and development burdens.
Evolving criteria for permanent residency
For companies and employees seeking long-term development, permanent residency (PR) remains a priority, though standards for approval frequently shift. While the government does not disclose specific criteria, Chen noted that Singapore favors individuals who create long-term value, possess specialized technical skills in engineering or technology, and demonstrate a willingness to integrate into local society.
Current trends suggest that ethnic Chinese from Malaysia and Taiwan often see higher success rates in PR applications, as their backgrounds align with Singapore's demographic composition and facilitate integration. Conversely, applicants from Japan, South Korea, and Western nations may face greater challenges if they are perceived as viewing Singapore as a temporary stepping stone or are likely to return to their home countries.
PR status is not permanent and must be renewed every five years. Individuals who do not reside or work in Singapore for extended periods risk losing their status.
Article edited by Jack Wu
