Singapore has just been named the third happiest city in the world — and the happiest in Asia — by the 2025 Happy City Index. Ranked just behind Copenhagen and Zurich, the Lion City’s achievement is more than a feel-good headline. For employers, jobseekers, and professionals in Singapore, this ranking reflects something deeper: a powerful alignment between quality of life, good governance, and a future-ready workforce.

So, what does this mean for businesses and talent in Singapore? And why should it matter to those hiring — or job hunting — in this thriving hub?

Singapore’s Success by the Numbers

The Happy City Index 2025 assessed 250 global cities across 82 indicators spanning six key themes: Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility.

Singapore scored a remarkable 979 points, thanks to strengths like:

• Governance:
  A stunning 95.81% voter turnout reflects high civic engagement and public trust in institutions — key ingredients for societal stability and business confidence.

• Innovation & Economy:
  With 7.37 patents per 10,000 residents, Singapore’s innovation output rivals tech powerhouses, fuelling long-term economic resilience and opportunities for career growth.

• Health & Well-being:
  A doctor-to-population ratio of 2.8 per 1,000 and universal health insurance ensure residents have reliable access to healthcare — a critical factor in long-term workforce productivity and retention.

• Safety & Mobility:
  Singapore boasts just 3.31 cases of public violence per 1,000 residents, making it one of the world’s safest cities. Public transport is 100% accessible, supporting inclusive growth and daily commute satisfaction.

What This Means for Employers in Singapore

As a business operating in Singapore, this ranking isn’t just a point of pride — it’s a powerful employer branding opportunity. Here’s why:

• Talent Attraction & Retention:
  Being based in a globally recognised “happy city” enhances your attractiveness to both local and international jobseekers. Workers today prioritise quality of life, well-being, and social stability — all of which Singapore offers in spades.

• Reputation & Client Confidence:
  Global investors, partners, and clients view Singapore’s high ranking as a reflection of trust, governance, and sustainable urban planning. These are key signals for long-term business viability.

• Better Workplaces:
  With citizens reporting high life satisfaction, businesses can tap into a motivated, healthy, and engaged workforce, reducing absenteeism and increasing employee retention.

What This Means for Jobseekers and Workers

If you’re job hunting in Singapore or planning your next career move, this ranking reinforces why the city remains a top destination:

• More Than Just a Pay check:
  Increasingly, professionals are looking beyond salary. They want flexibility, health security, and a thriving urban environment. Singapore delivers on all fronts.

• A Future-Ready Job Market:
  With a strong emphasis on digitalisation, education, and skills upgrading, Singapore continues to invest in its workforce, giving professionals a long runway for growth and progression.

• Safety and Security:
  Whether you're raising a family, commuting to work, or attending after-hours training, Singapore offers peace of mind — a rare but critical asset in today’s world.

Final Thoughts

Singapore’s #3 global ranking in the 2025 Happy City Index is more than just an accolade — it’s an affirmation that economic excellence can coexist with human happiness. For clients, candidates, and companies alike, this reinforces why Singapore remains one of the best places in the world to live, work, and grow.

If you’re ready to build your dream team — or find a role that reflects your values — Reeracoen Singapore is here to help.

How Reeracoen Connects Talent with Opportunity

At Reeracoen, we’re proud to be part of Singapore’s recruitment ecosystem. As a leading recruitment agency in Singapore and APAC, our mission is to bridge meaningful connections between top talent and future-ready employers who care not just about output — but also about well-being and purpose.

We’ve helped thousands of jobseekers find fulfilling roles in companies that embrace work-life balance, employee happiness, and career development. And we’ve supported organisations in building teams aligned with the city’s values: innovation, care, and forward-thinking.

 

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References:

• Happy City Index 2025

• Channel NewsAsia – Singapore ranks as world’s 3rd happiest city

• Mothership – Singapore is 3rd happiest city globally

• Human Resources Online – Singapore shines with a smile

• VnExpress – Singapore named third happiest city on Earth

• Condé Nast Traveler – Happiest Cities in the World for 2025

• BBC Travel – The world’s five happiest cities for 2025