Singaporean Entrepreneurs—The Australian Connection

This paper develops a framework for investigating the linkages between Singaporean entrepreneurs and Australia. The first link examined is through Singapore investment in Australia. There are about three thousand Singapore-based companies overseas with investments in a broad range of industries. Australia is among the top six investment host countries.One of the most important links is through Singaporean entrepreneurs sending their children to Australia to be educated. Educational services are provided to the next generation of entrepreneurs and also provide familiarity with the political and economic environment in which Singapore entrepreneurs can do business in Australia.Another important link is through migration of Singaporean entrepreneurs to Australia. Research shows that the flow of Singaporean students to Australia is a major factor in determining the flow of entrepreneurs to Australia. This flow is, however, also strongly influenced by the general economic conditions.The issues explored in this paper are major given the importance of Asian entrepreneurs to Australia’s economic strategy of incorporation into the markets of Asia. The drain of entrepreneurs to Australia may also be of concern to Singapore. On the other hand, the links created with Singapore firms may be of long term benefit to Singapore.