Singapore ranked most operationally efficient APAC market

The city-state’s low-friction environment makes it an ideal control tower for firms expanding across Southeast Asia.

Singapore has been ranked the most operationally efficient market in APAC, according to Vistra’s Friction Index: Where to Grow, Where to Execute (APAC Edition) 2026.

The report placed Singapore ahead of Australia and Hong Kong SAR, citing its streamlined regulation, lower execution risk, and ability to support companies seeking faster regional expansion.

Singapore was classified as a fast-track market, alongside Australia and Hong Kong SAR. These markets offer clearer paths for businesses prioritising speed and operational certainty.

Vistra said Singapore’s low-friction environment makes it an ideal regional control tower for companies scaling operations across Southeast Asia.

However, the report also identified Singapore as the most talent-constrained market. Citing Ministry of Manpower data, Vistra said there are 164 open tech jobs for every 100 qualified jobseekers in Singapore.

The shortage has created bottlenecks and driven up wages by up to 25% for critical roles in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.

Companies in Singapore are also facing new compliance demands related to data governance, cybersecurity, and digital platform regulation.

Tiffany Lim, Vistra’s market lead for Singapore and ASEAN, said Singapore’s efficiency presents an opportunity for firms that can manage talent shortages and compliance challenges.

The report assessed 12 markets across APAC and the Middle East using market attractiveness and operational friction indicators, including regulatory complexity, tax regimes, and data transparency gaps.

Vistra said successful expansion in Asia-Pacific requires companies to align their operating models with each market rather than applying a single regional approach.