Singapore remains the most liveable location in Asia and the world, with both Bangkok and Chiang Mail slipping down the rankings in a year that was marked by political instability.
Regional rival Hong Kong has slipped to 33rd place in the global rankings, according to the latest Location Ratings report for expatriate living conditions published by ECA International, a provider of knowledge, information and technology for the management and assignment of employees around the world.
“Good air quality, solid infrastructure, decent medical facilities, low crime and health risks have contributed to Singapore maintaining its position at the top of the global ranking for quality of living for Asian assignees,” said Lee Quane, Regional Director – Asia, ECA International.
“The fact that Singapore comes out top time and time again does make it a very attractive proposition for companies looking to set up in the region, particularly when conditions in Hong Kong have deteriorated a little.”
Updated annually, ECA’s Location Ratings system objectively evaluates a host of factors to form an assessment of the overall quality of living in over 450 locations worldwide. The system helps companies establish appropriate allowances to compensate employees for the adjustment required when going on international assignment. Factors assessed include climate; availability of health services; housing and utilities; isolation; access to a social network and leisure facilities; infrastructure; personal safety; political tensions and air quality.
Singapore is followed by Sydney and Adelaide in the ranking for Asian assignees. However, the impact of some of the factors assessed, such as distance from home and differences in culture, language and climate, will vary according to where someone comes from.
In mainland China, Shanghai, ranked 110th globally, is China’s most liveable city followed by Beijing (122). Scores have remained steady across most Chinese locations but Chongqing and Shenzhen saw the most improvement over the year.
In India, Bangalore, ranked 171st globally scores most favourably followed by Mumbai and Chennai. New Delhi (204) is the least liveable. Along with Beijing, Delhi has the worst score for air quality not just in Asia but globally.
In Thailand the declaration of martial law saw a worsening in socio political scores for locations there. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are both in 112th spot – down from last year’s 108th.
Malaysian locations have also fallen slightly in the global ranking. Kuala Lumpur is in 118th position, down from 115th.
Yangon, ranked 220th globally, scores the most poorly in the region for healthcare facilities followed by Laos, Cambodia, Ulaanbaatar and Dhaka.
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor of PropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email andrew@propertyguru.com.sg
