SG still the most liveable location for ex-pats: ECA

Amid lower scores, Singapore remained the top choice for East Asian ex-pats.

Global mobility company ECA International has released the findings of its latest Location Ratings survey, which showed Singapore remaining as the most liveable location in the world for expatriates from East Asia.

"Singapore has remained the most liveable location in the world for overseas workers from other locations in East Asia, fighting off competition from Wellington, New Zealand, and various Japanese cities," said Asia regional director Lee Quane.

"This was despite its liveability score falling due to a combination of very strict lockdown measures. This means that the gaps between Singapore and the second- and third-placed cities have shrunk since last year. Factors that contributed to Singapore's position at the top of the rankings include outstanding scores in other areas such as international schooling, infrastructure, and housing."

Other locations in Asia have fallen significantly in the ranking in the past 12 months due to the impact of the pandemic. Macau dropped 30 places to be out of the top 20, Hong Kong dropped 19 places to 77th, and Taipei dropped a significant 31 places to tie with Hong Kong. Shanghai now sits in the 117th place.

ECA's Location Ratings system objectively evaluates a host of factors to assess the overall quality of living in over 490 locations worldwide. The system helps companies establish appropriate allowances to compensate their employees, accounting adjustment required when going on international assignments. Factors assessed include climate, availability of health services, housing and utilities, natural phenomena, isolation, access to a social network and leisure facilities, infrastructure, personal safety, political tensions, and air quality.