Singapore eclipses Hong Kong as Asia's most prized brand
According to a location branding survey by PublicAffairsAsia and Ogilvy Public Relations, Singapore has arisen as enjoying the most positive brand value among 16 Asian cities.
With a score of 9.7 out of 10, the city-state outperforms rivals Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai and Seoul.
Accordingly, the survey evaluates a city's positive brand based on infrastructure, transport, economic growth, culture, environment, political stability, low crime, healthcare and sanitation.
Singapore was recognised for its low-tax, political stability, clean and safe environment, as well as its growing arts, leisure and gaming scene.
Conversely, the city-state received a low score in the categories of press freedom and small-c conservatism.
At the same time, Hong Kong and Sydney are tied in second place with a score of 9.5.
Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy Public Relations Asia Pacific Steve Dahllof said: "We can see from the analysis that the strongest city brands in Asia Pacific –Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney- are the cities whose reputations are comparatively long-standing".
"With 11 of the 16 rated cities receiving a very good rating from less than a third of respondents, many cities across the region still have their work cut out for them when it comes to defining their brand image."