Singapore Envoy Calls for Win-Win Cooperation Between Asian Financial Hubs
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN

Summary
Singapore's top envoy to Hong Kong has dismissed the narrative that the two Asian financial centres are locked in a zero-sum rivalry, calling for greater cooperation to mutual benefit. Eric Teo Boon Hee, Singapore's Consul General in Hong Kong, said in an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post that healthy competition between the two cities is constructive and helps both sides improve .
Key Points
- Eric Teo Boon Hee, Singapore's Consul General in Hong Kong, recently marked his first anniversary in the city and gave an exclusive interview to the SCMP .
- Teo said Asia is large enough to accommodate two financial centres and that both cities should work together to "expand the pie" as capital rushes into the region .
- He emphasized that in all his conversations with local officials and business leaders over the past year, he had "zero sense" that Hong Kong viewed Singapore as an enemy .
- At the beginning of the decade, Hong Kong was perceived to have lost ground to Singapore as talent and companies relocated due to the national security law and pandemic restrictions .
- Hong Kong is positioning itself as a hub for mainland Chinese firms looking to expand globally .
Why It Matters
Teo's remarks signal a diplomatic warming between the two rival financial hubs at a time when both are competing fiercely for capital and talent flows in the region. The shift from adversarial framing toward win-win collaboration could reshape how businesses and investors view their options in Asia's financial landscape .
Teo's remarks signal a diplomatic warming between the two rival financial hubs at a time when both are competing fiercely for capital and talent flows in the region. The shift from adversarial framing toward win-win collaboration could reshape how businesses and investors view their options in Asia's financial landscape .