The first thing that is raised is the taxes and it is not without reason. Singapore has a relatively low corporate tax rate which has partial exemptions on new companies. In the real world it means that you keep more of what you earn, especially in the first few years. It is not zero tax heaven, but is predictable. It only takes that to plan easier. Click this link to see more info!
It is extremely quick to start up a business. Registration may be made within a day as long as it is prepared. It is virtually effortless, when it would take weeks before one could cut through the paperwork in other places. It is all electronic, tidy and does not demand one run around five offices.
The reputation factor follows next. A Singapore based company is one that can be taken seriously especially in Asia. It signals stability. I have seen startups that are not that large gaining the trust somewhat easier due to the speech on the page. It is not obtrusive but it helps when dealing with foreign clients or partners.
Banking is another good asset that is not as easy as some may believe. Once established, it is not as painful to work with an excellent financial infrastructure. Checks, wire transfer, money, everything is very effective. The system is not the problem, only you need to be properly documented.
Place is also a consideration. Singapore is not only a map description but is located in the center of Southeast Asia. You can rely on it as a base in case you are dealing with such markets as Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam. Flights are not lengthy, time zones are not tricky, and expansion to the area is not as convoluted.
The legal clarity is not appreciated by people until they have experienced the opposite extreme. Rules are clear, the policing is foreseeable and war is no longer an issue of a roll of the dice. It does not mean that there are no issues, you are simply conscious of your place.
Recruitment of talent can be either directional. It has access to skilled professionals especially in finance and technology, but it is more costly than the neighboring nations. Other corporations are building a hybrid model: Singapore to head office, other countries to do business. It is a common tendency, and it works.
The assistance of the government is real, yet, it is not a free fall of money. They have grants and schemes, but this involves criteria and paperwork. They do have the capacity to subsidize spending on a considerable scale, in case you are eligible. Otherwise, you pass.
So why start a business in Singapore? Things usually work. So to say is the most easy. You can be sure of systems and transparency on processes and are able to save time in trying to work through bureaucracy and instead do business.