MNCs and Singapore’s local firms tie up for win-win outcomes as they scale across Asia
Providing global companies with an ecosystem of capable partners is key to the Republic’s competitiveness
As global enterprises continue to expand their operations in Singapore, a diverse ecosystem of local firms and multinational corporations (MNCs) are forming strategic partnerships to drive growth and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. In the first half of 2026 alone, companies including Viatris, Maersk, Mindray, Revolut, Nvidia, and Quantinuum have either established new business activities in Singapore or expanded existing ones.
Singapore's attractiveness to these international players stems from its stability, competitive business ecosystem, connectivity to key markets, access to skilled talent, and government funding for research and development. The Republic boasts nearly 370,000 SMEs, about 4,500 tech startups, and a network of research institutes, providing MNCs with a wide range of capable partners.
This partnership dynamic has resulted in enhanced supply chain resilience, accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence, cost savings, and faster product launches for MNCs. Simultaneously, local enterprises have benefited from improved workforce quality, increased productivity, and higher employment and wages. A study by the Ministry of Trade and Industry found that exposure to Economic Development Board (EDB) firms increased the value added by firms by 8.3%, productivity by 6.2%, and local wages by 1.6%.
On the direct impact of MNC partnerships, local businesses have improved their operations to meet MNC demands, refined technologies for scale, and leveraged experience to expand their customer base. To facilitate these collaborations, the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) proactively identify needs and foster understanding between both sides.
They encourage small pilot projects and offer funding through the Partnerships for Capability Transformation (Pact) scheme to defray costs. The Corporate Venture Launchpad initiative further connects corporates with startups for new growth opportunities.
Notable examples of successful partnerships include Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions (PWCS) and Applied Total Control Treatments (ATCT) developing high-performance electroplating capabilities, and biopharmaceutical company Sanofi partnering with Magorium to recycle used insulin pens and create low-carbon roads at a manufacturing facility. These win-win collaborations strengthen supply chain resilience and help local enterprises meet global industry standards.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Companies & Markets's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
