Hong Kong extends lead over Singapore in Asian internationality index
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce's annual Asian Cities Internationality Index ranked Hong Kong first among 11 cities with 74.6 points, widening its lead over Singapore to two points from 0.2 last year. Hong Kong retained top place in business and economy, but ranked third in innovation and ideas and fourth in technology investment. The chamber chairman attributed the performance to strong research exchanges and talent admission schemes.
The index, released Thursday, measures seven categories across 11 Asian cities, with Hong Kong scoring 74.6 points overall. Its two-point margin over Singapore marks a significant jump from last year’s razor-thin 0.2-point gap. Hong Kong kept its top ranking in business and economy at 78.6 points, while also placing second in quality of life, infrastructure, connectivity, and human capital diversity. However, it slipped to third in innovation and ideas—up from fourth—and remained fourth in technology investment and cultural interaction.
Chamber chairman Jacob Kam Chak-pui credited the city’s universities and scientific institutions for fostering strong research exchanges, alongside talent admission schemes that draw global professionals. These factors helped offset weaker scores in tech investment, where Hong Kong still trails regional competitors. The report’s release comes amid ongoing efforts to position the city as a regional hub despite broader economic uncertainties.
The widening lead could reinforce Hong Kong’s appeal to multinational firms and skilled migrants, potentially boosting its service sector and tax base. Yet persistent gaps in technology investment may signal structural challenges for long-term competitiveness, affecting startups and research commercialization. Neighboring cities and investors may recalibrate regional strategies, while policymakers could face pressure to address innovation funding. The index’s findings may also influence talent mobility decisions, as professionals weigh quality-of-life strengths against weaker tech ecosystems.