Thinking about expanding your business overseas? Asia is a strong option to consider. With fast-growing economies, a rising pool of skilled talent, and access to large consumer markets, it’s one of the most promising regions for global growth.
While New York and London remain major financial centres, expanding cross-border sales outreach in Asian countries is increasingly important as they emerge as new business and economic hubs. Strong government support, digital innovations, and business-friendly policies make the region more attractive.
In this article, we look at five key markets—Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan, and why they’re great choices for international expansion in 2025.
Singapore
Singapore is becoming an increasingly vital hub for companies of all sizes, from startups to multinationals in fintech, agri-food, and beyond. Nick Nash of Asia Partners highlights key reasons: access to top talent, a strategic gateway to the Asia-Pacific, and strong government support.
Ranked among the top global business locations, Singapore excels in ease of doing business, economic competitiveness, and innovation. It surpasses other Asian markets in skills availability and innovation capacity, reinforcing its status as a leading business hub.
For tech firms like Sprinklr, which launched there in 2021, Singapore offers local talent and cultural insights to better serve enterprise clients. Beyond local benefits, it provides access to vast opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Strategically, Singapore’s port is the world’s busiest for container shipping, and its extensive trade agreements make it the second-most connected country globally, offering unmatched trade and export advantages. Known for its stable political environment, free-market economy, efficient infrastructure, and attractive tax policies, Singapore is ideal for regional asset management. Over 37,000 international and 7,000 multinational companies have established Singapore as their regional headquarters, making it a cornerstone for global expansion efforts.
Planning to expand in Singapore?
Hong Kong
Hong Kong, ranked 5th in the 2022 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, remains a top hub for entrepreneurs due to its strategic location, strong economic growth, and business-friendly policies. Its dynamic environment and entrepreneurial spirit make it ideal for startups expanding in Asia.
The government actively supports innovation through initiatives for SMEs, international trade, and green finance. In 2024, new funding schemes will boost life and health tech startups and promote digital transformation across sectors.
With a simple, low tax system—only three direct taxes and no capital gains or VAT—Hong Kong is highly attractive to startups. It also offers a robust network of incubators and accelerators for mentorship and funding. Hong Kong’s close location to Mainland China and the broader APAC region has been key to its success. Since the 2003 signing of the Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) agreement, trade and cooperation have grown stronger. CEPA makes it easier for Hong Kong businesses to access the large mainland market by removing tariffs and giving special access to certain sectors. This has deepened economic ties and boosted trade and investment between Hong Kong and Mainland China.
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Malaysia
Bordering Singapore, Malaysia may surprise companies exploring global expansion with its ample opportunities and, like its neighbor, provides a highly business-friendly environment.
Since its independence six decades ago, Malaysia has transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic business hubs through strategic vision and steady execution. Evolving from a resource-based economy, it now attracts multinationals seeking high-value services such as supply chain management, R&D, and business planning.
The presence of numerous global multinationals highlights the said country’s growing appeal. These companies operate regionally and globally. This inflow fosters a virtuous cycle, attracting top talent, generating high-paying jobs, and building innovation clusters that further boost its attractiveness. These ecosystems support specialised services and expertise, fueling continuous growth.
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is instrumental in positioning Malaysia as a premier global services hub. These centres create jobs, drive innovation and skill development, and add long-term value.Aligned with Malaysia’s 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the government aims to make the country a leading global services hub by 2025, strengthening sustainable growth and economic transformation.
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Thailand
Thailand is a strong choice for companies looking to expand in Asia. Its central location borders Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, providing quick access to China and India, with Hong Kong and Singapore just a short flight away.
The country’s advanced infrastructure features modern highways, busy airports, deep-sea ports like Laem Chabang, and reliable telecom networks. Bangkok’s airport is among the busiest in the world, and nationwide, 4G and 5G coverage ensures solid connectivity.
With a population of over 70 million and close to the 600-million-strong ASEAN market, Thailand offers vast consumer potential. Its growing middle class and rising purchasing power attract international firms that aim to tap into emerging markets.
The country’s government promotes investment through the BOI and offers incentives such as tax breaks, import duty relief, and easy visa and work permit processes. These policies support Thailand’s goal of becoming a high-value manufacturing and services hub.
Thailand’s stable, diversified economy and strong talent pool in science and engineering make it an ideal base for manufacturing, R&D, and regional headquarters. As a founding ASEAN member, the country benefits from numerous trade agreements like AFTA, RCEP, and bilateral deals with Japan, India, Australia, and China, providing preferential tariffs and broad market access.
Its strategic position, solid infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and regional trade networks make it an increasingly attractive alternative to mainland China for Southeast Asian expansion.
Taiwan
Thanks to its skilled workforce, strong government backing, and strategic location, Taiwan offers a smart starting point for regional growth in Asia.
One of the country’s greatest strengths is its talent pool—major investments in STEM education fuel industries like high-tech, electronics, and manufacturing. The country produces nearly 90% of the world’s advanced semiconductors, making it indispensable to the global tech supply chain.
Taiwan’s streamlined regulatory environment benefits foreign investors. Programs like the Foreign Investment Approval (FIA) offer tax breaks, duty exemptions, and IP protections to simplify and secure market entry. The government’s pro-business stance reflects its commitment to global partnerships.
Positioned close to major Asian markets, including Japan, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, Taiwan offers excellent regional access. World-class infrastructure—spanning ports, airports, and transport—supports fast, reliable logistics, essential for supply chain efficiency.
Taiwan also fosters a growing digital ecosystem. Initiatives like “Asian Silicon Valley” promote innovation in IoT, AI, and tech development. Its startup scene thrives with support from venture capital, incubators, and a collaborative environment ideal for product development and experimentation.
Conclusion
Asia’s importance in global business strategy is no longer a future trend but rather a present imperative. Markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan offer more than just favourable business conditions; they represent diverse entry points into a region defined by rapid digital transformation, growing consumer demand, and integrated supply chains.
What sets these markets apart is their strengths and how they complement each other across key areas like innovation, manufacturing, finance, and logistics. Singapore leads with its regulatory clarity and global connectivity, while Hong Kong remains a gateway to Mainland China and a hub for capital and trade.
Malaysia and Thailand, on the other hand, are rapidly scaling up value-added services and industrial capabilities, while Taiwan’s dominance in semiconductors and tech innovation makes it critical to global supply chains.
Expanding into Asia is crucial for companies aiming for long-term international growth. To succeed, businesses must understand each market and create focused plans that align with local conditions and opportunities.
