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Singapore tops Global Cities Index for ‘online presence’

SINGAPORE — The Republic has risen to sixth place — its highest — on the Global Cities Index 2017 by consultancy firm AT Kearney, boosted by its top ranking for “online presence”. In a separate Global Cities Outlook, which ranks cities in terms of their future potential, Singapore took the top spot for “governance”, to emerge at 11th position.

SINGAPORE — The Republic has risen to sixth place — its highest — on the Global Cities Index 2017 by consultancy firm AT Kearney, boosted by its top ranking for “online presence”. In a separate Global Cities Outlook, which ranks cities in terms of their future potential, Singapore took the top spot for “governance”, to emerge at 11th position.

“In today’s day and age, economic development by itself is no longer sufficient for a city to be a global hot spot. Cities are now measured on whether economic development is making lives better for residents,” said Mr Chua Soon Ghee, partner and head of South-east Asia at AT Kearney.

“On that front, Singapore is a clear global leader. Its business-friendly environment, a world-class education system and digital connectivity have helped companies and individuals thrive, turning it into a leading global hub.”

New York regained overall top spot from London (2) in the Global Cities Index, followed by Paris (3), Tokyo (4), Hong Kong (5) and Singapore (6). In the Global Cities Outlook, Singapore was the top ranked Asian city at 11, with Tokyo — the only other Asian city — coming in at 23.

The Global Cities Index, launched in 2008, ranks cities based on 27 metrics across five critical dimensions: Business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience and political engagement. Singapore scored top marks in “online presence” which measures a city’s information exchange level, or access to information via the Internet and other media sources.

The Global Cities Outlook, which is in its third edition, ranks cities based on 13 metrics across four critical dimensions: Personal well-being, economics, innovation and governance. The “governance” matrix measures long-term stability of a country through transparency, quality of bureaucracy and ease of doing business.

The Outlook brings a forward-looking perspective to city-level policies and practices that shape future competitiveness, identifying growing cities that are likely to be the most prominent global cities of the future, said AT Kearney.

“With an unrelenting focus on maintaining the highest quality of standards and ethics in bureaucracy and governance, the city-state is not only performing well today but is also positioning itself for continued growth and global influence in the future,” Mr Chua added.

Singapore also made it to the “Global Elite” list of cities that rank in the top 25 of both the Global Cities Index and the Global Cities Outlook.

“The Outlook and Index provide a compelling look at 128 of the world’s leading cities, as well as those that are poised to make a significant impact. There were several geopolitical events this year that profoundly impacted cities around the world ... These include the UK’s Brexit vote, elections in France and Germany, as well as the US presidential and congressional elections. Our historical database also gives a comprehensive look at which cities are wise places for corporate leaders to invest in for their growth and regional centres,” said Mr Mike Hales, partner at AT Kearney and a co-author of the study.

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