Three ways Singapore helps businesses with international expansion in 2025

Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a global business hub, offering companies the tools they need to grow, innovate and succeed in Southeast Asia and beyond. Through its advanced carbon market, strong focus on innovation and support for local partnerships, the city-state is ready to provide all the needed support for businesses to achieve their expansion goals in 2025.

Here are three key ways Singapore supports global business expansion:

1. Helping Businesses Achieve Sustainability with Carbon Markets

Singapore is leading the way in carbon trading, giving businesses access to high-quality carbon credits to offset emissions. Based on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, these credits are especially useful for industries where reducing emissions is more challenging.  

In 2024, Singapore launched the Singapore Carbon Market Alliance to connect international sellers of carbon credits with local buyers. The government introduced the Carbon Project Development Grant to drive growth in this area further. This grant helps fund early-stage carbon projects, including feasibility studies, to generate credits that companies can use to meet their sustainability targets.  

Singapore is also building expertise in carbon trading. The new Carbon Markets Academy trains professionals to support the country’s growing ecosystem of over 120 carbon services companies. Singapore also stays committed to a more sustainable future by investing in green energy by importing renewable electricity from neighboring countries.  

2. Fostering Innovation Through a Strong Tech Ecosystem

Singapore has built a thriving environment for startups and innovation, making it an ideal place for businesses to turn ideas into successful products. The region’s tech ecosystem has tripled in value over the last five years, and Singapore is ranked as Southeast Asia’s most innovative city.  

The government and private companies are working together to support new businesses. Initiatives like JLABS Singapore, L’Oréal’s Big Bang Beauty Tech Program and Google’s AI Trailblazers program provide startups with funding, mentorship and access to global networks.  

The government’s Corporate Venture Launchpad (CVL) program is also helping large companies create new ventures in areas like artificial intelligence (AI). Since its launch, it has supported 24 companies and led to the creation of several new businesses.  

3. Building Partnerships with Local Companies

Forming local partnerships is a key strategy for businesses expanding in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, working with local companies can improve supply chains, speed up product development and open doors to new markets.  

For example, semiconductor company STMicroelectronics partnered with a local supplier to produce 3D-printed parts, while Coca-Cola teamed up with local businesses to improve its manufacturing processes. Singapore’s government also supports these collaborations through programs like the Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) scheme, which helps cover costs when global companies work with local firms.  

Local businesses in Singapore also assist global companies in entering other Asian markets by offering insights into regulations and consumer preferences. This makes Singapore a gateway for businesses looking to expand across the region.