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Executive Summary

The Asian Cities Internationality Index (the “ACII” or “Index”) evaluates the internationality of 11 Asian cities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo. By highlighting the unique characteristics of these cities, the Index aims to inspire shared learning and drive collective progress for sustainable growth across the region. The study also looks to the future, providing inspiration for cities to proactively embrace emerging trends and opportunities to stay ahead.

An international city thrives within the global network by aggregating global resources and acting as a driving hub for progress, creating value across the economy, technology, and culture. Truly international cities are influential leaders characterised by four core attributes: Stability and Scalability, Global Interconnectedness, Richness and Openness to Resources and Ideas, and Value Exchange and Influence.

The evaluation follows a rigorous methodology rooted in a robust framework. This framework encompasses over a hundred indicators to evaluate the aforementioned core attributes across seven intertwined dimensions: (i) Business and Economy, (ii) Quality of Life, (iii) Infrastructure and Connectivity, (iv) Innovation and Ideas, (v) Human Capital Diversity, (vi) Cultural Interaction, and (vii) Government and Legal System for Business.

Hong Kong and Singapore stand out as top international cities in Asia. Hong Kong leads in the Business and Economy dimension and is well-rounded in other dimensions. The results reaffirm the city's role as a global financial hub, supported by strong infrastructure, connectivity, diverse quality of life, and a home for world-class academics. Singapore closely follows, bolstered by its diversified talents, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and its position as a platform for global dialogue.

Tokyo and Seoul, the capitals of Japan and South Korea, respectively, form the next tier. Both cities exhibit unique strengths, such as Tokyo’s exceptional quality of life and outstanding government and legal system for business and Seoul’s advanced transportation and information connectivity. The two cities also excel in technological innovation that enhances their global appeal.

Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei are next in line. Shanghai’s innovation ecosystem and economic dynamism, Bangkok’s tourism magnetism and cultural interaction, Kuala Lumpur’s human capital diversity, and Taipei’s openness and accessibility of information strengthen their international profiles, though their full potential is yet to be fully realised.

Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mumbai demonstrate resilience and self-reliance. These cities are set to benefit from geoeconomic shifts, fuelling optimism for future advancements in gaining greater international prominence.

Business and Economy dimension assesses a city's robust economic infrastructure, supportive policies, and openness to fostering business and capital exchange, thereby creating opportunities. Hong Kong is recognised as one of Asia’s most prominent business hubs, excelling in free and diversified financial markets, trading activities, and an open business environment that attracts businesses and individuals alike.

The prevailing trend of protectionism should be resisted, and cities should maintain open and welcoming business environments, particularly for international small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to sustain dynamic ecosystems and stimulate new ideas. Cities should also strengthen their role as “opportunity explorers,” connecting with emerging markets and trends while exporting bright prospects.

Quality of Life is a crucial factor for local and foreign talent when selecting a city to reside in. This dimension evaluates the cost of living, entertainment amenities, public services, and sustainable development. Tokyo outperforms other Asian cities by offering residents a vibrant lifestyle, equitable public services, and relatively reasonable living costs. Although Seoul's comprehensive public services and Hong Kong's unique, vibrant lifestyle are celebrated, the higher cost of living remains a challenge.

International cities should promote a vibrant lifestyle and highlight career opportunities as core motivations for attracting talent. With younger generations increasingly valuing work-life balance and alternative working styles, a fresh narrative that moves beyond the hard-working ethos will help cities distinguish themselves from other Asian counterparts.

Infrastructure and Connectivity enables the efficient movement of goods and people, supporting global integration. Equally important is the capacity to share information seamlessly and openly, fostering collaboration and intellectual growth. Seoul ranks top in this dimension, excelling in various aspects. Beyond its robust transportation infrastructure and efficient logistics capabilities, Seoul’s advanced digital infrastructure, accessibility of information and the global success of K-culture are also noteworthy.

With infrastructure development in Asia now highly advanced, a city’s future competitiveness increasingly hinges on fostering openness in information exchange and sharing. This enables the city to effectively capture untapped opportunities.

Innovation and Ideas reflect a city's capability to encourage cross-border collaboration and translate diverse perspectives into world-leading innovations. This dimension assesses research investment, achievement, and the openness and diversity of efforts by governments, research institutes, and private entities. Shanghai and Singapore lead in innovation due to their remarkable academic achievements and vibrant innovation ecosystems. Hong Kong follows closely with its world-leading academia, producing impactful research alongside a dynamic movement of research talent.

An open culture of innovation is critical for fostering advancements, even as economies strive for technological independence. Synergy among government, private entities, and industry bodies can help identify prime investment opportunities, whether in home-grown or foreign technologies, to accelerate innovation.

Human Capital Diversity enhances a city's economic dynamism and fosters innovation and resilience by harnessing the potential of a multifaceted talent pool. Singapore is a leader in human capital diversity, boasting a rich blend of talents from North Asia, Southeast Asia, and other global economies across populations, educational institutions, and workplaces.

A diverse and well-balanced talent pool drawn from various regions and disciplines unleashes the economic potential. Introducing talent from emerging markets is especially important, as these regions offer distinctive cultures that only local talent can help overseas businesses understand and leverage to seize new opportunities. Cities must enhance their multilingual proficiency as it is the foundation of an inclusive workplace.

Cultural Interaction facilitates intercultural dialogue, creating a vibrant environment that is attractive to global visitors, businesses, and talents. This dimension assesses tourism, events, facilities, and openness to diverse cultures. Tokyo leads in cultural interaction, credited to its seamless blending of tradition with modernity to captivate international visitors, foster cross-cultural connections, and provide a diverse range of cultural experiences.

Cities should continue fostering business and leisure travel while deepening intellectual, arts and culture programmes that facilitate in-depth interaction. International cities must share their local cultural assets to inspire the world.

Government and Legal System for Business, build trust and attract global partnerships, aligning the city with global agendas and contributing to worldwide development. Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong are recognised for their globally aligned governance standards and legal systems. Hong Kong holds a reputation as a preferred arbitration hub for businesses, amplifying its impact on global development.

Transparent governance and robust legal frameworks will remain the foundation of trust between a city and the global community. To enhance their presence and leadership, cities should focus on their unique strengths that enable them to engage effectively in and lead global discussions.

Full report can be downloaded here 

Posted on 2025/06/25