Singapore, a global powerhouse in international trade and financial trading, has recently seen its economic status decline a result of the trade war between the US and China.

The two sparring global superpowers are two of Singapore’s largest trading partners and have caused the country’s trade-reliant economy to become stagnant. Singapore's 2019 full-year growth forecast was reportedly slashed last August and showed data of the economy shrinking by 3.3% last quarter. Reuters poll economists predict a 2.9% fall in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by its final reading.  This is a first for the Singaporean economy who escaped the last global recession relatively unscathed.

Singapore’s central bank also announced it would be easing its monetary policy and slowing the appreciation of the Singapore dollar amid the increasingly low inflation. The policy easing aims to assist workers with transitional difficulties and increasing expenses given the current economic state.

Philippines' Diverse Business Opportunities

Singapore's Local business confidence is at a near two-year low with recession rumblings getting louder regarding the underperforming economic data. SBF-Experian SME Index’s findings show discouraged optimism from small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as more cautious employers. Singapore businesses are now highly considering expansion opportunities outside of the country, with the Philippine market as one of their top investment destinations due to the availability of skilled talent and the improving infrastructure.

In, 2018, Singapore was the second largest investor in the Philippines, and the largest export market of the Philippines among the ASEAN’s member-states. With a solid foundation in place and a pre existing business arrangements between the two nations, many Singapore based companies look to the Philippines first when considering offshoring a part of the their operations or workforce with a proven record in manufacturing and infrastructure.

 However, beyond manufacturing and infrastructure,  there continue to be overlooked sectors such as Information Technology and Digital Solutions that can offer use to Singapore Companies who need to remain competitive and increase or at a minimum retain their growth pipelines. Nonetheless these prospects, that specialize in services such as web development and digital marketing, may provide more value in future companies looking to grow offshore. 

The Philippines large and diverse talent pool produces 750,000 graduates annually with the majority of those graduating in Business, Marketing and IT Related fields. In their 50th year of diplomatic relations, the Philippines would prove to be the perfect global partner to help continue strengthening their business ties with one another. 

The two nations can work together in developing talents with the appropriate skill sets to fuel the globalized digital economy. Singapore can impart developmental experiences and expertise in areas of interest with the Philippines. Meanwhile the Philippines can provide the offshore manpower for these start-ups with its ever-growing IT candidate database and strong capabilities in the offshoring  industry. This will also help Singaporean companies finally utilize the aforementioned untapped business opportunities that the Philippines has to offer.  

The Philippines’ economic progress and large, capable talent pool end up creating a compelling case for Singaporean investors. With less risks posed to their business and a steady supply of IT graduates to outsource a competent team from, Singaporean businesses will still be able to remain competitive in the global economy. Loh Chin Hua, Keppel Corp. CEO, additionally noted that businesses can borrow in the local currency that help in effectively cutting costs. They will furthermore get to explore how they can further expand investments with the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure modernization program, which is now in full progress.  

Possible Digital Partnership

Despite Singapore’s slowing economy, money invested in companies rose in the first nine months of the year. Start-ups operating in the digital tech industry accounted for a tremendous 93.2% of the total funds gathered. These companies will now need early-stage venture funding which may prove difficult given the current economic status. The success of these businesses therefore lie with Singapore setting up partnerships with other global markets that aid in merging with Asia’s digital growth.

Singapore’s GDP growth is still expected to pick up in 2020 but at a reduced rate. Despite all that Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, at the Forbes Global CEO Conference said it best: “We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering, and we can do business with them.” 

Are you considering building an offshore team in the Philippines? Join the KMC in Singapore this Nov 12 from 9am-11am in 1880. You can register to attend via the button the below