According to the Singapore United Morning Post, in recent years, an increasing number of wealthy individuals from China have obtained permanent residency and citizenship in Singapore through the Economic Development Board's "Contact Singapore" Global Investor Programme. Most of these new immigrants are "boss-level" individuals; on one hand, their businesses and companies remain abroad, while on the other hand, they settle their families here, purchasing homes, real estate, and making investments locally. What exactly attracts them to Singapore, prompting their choice of this location?
Mr. Li from Suzhou, China, first set foot in Singapore three years ago, staying for only five days, and his impression of the island nation was mostly at a "naive" stage. Earlier this year, he officially obtained permanent residency in Singapore, becoming a holder of the blue identity card.
However, the way he obtained local permanent residency differs from most immigrants from China or other places. Under the Global Investor Programme (GIP) of the Economic Development Board (EDB) "Contact Singapore," he invested 1.5 million Singapore dollars in a locally registered fund company, and after passing other conditions, he obtained permanent residency at the end of last year.
A highly educated and refined city
For Mr. Li, immigration has been a thought he has had for a long time. Over the past few years, he considered Australia, Canada, and Japan, ultimately choosing Singapore. When he first came to Singapore three years ago, all the procedures were already settled. Li Xiansheng said: "Firstly, it has a high level of education; additionally, we quite like Singapore as a place. Although it is a bit small, compared to Suzhou, the urban construction and planning are closer to a 'refined' level." He plans to continue managing his business in commercial equipment in China, but has sent his 16-year-old son here to study alone, with both parents visiting him from time to time. When discussing the mandatory military service that makes some hesitant about immigrating to Singapore, he actually sees it as a good thing. He said: "In the army, one can strengthen their body and cultivate discipline. Moreover, Singapore has good public safety, and my son living here alone can develop independence; we can often come to Singapore to see him." He plans to let his son attend university in Singapore: "Singapore also has many international schools, such as the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and INSEAD."
