On May 13, 2025, Anndy Lian, a best-selling book author, licensed fund manager, and seasoned venture capitalist, delivered an insightful speech at the “Policy Ecosystem Development for Startups” event in Mongolia. Organized by the Mongolian Ministry of Economy and Development, the Asian Productivity Organization, and the Mongolian Productivity Organization, the event brought together representatives from over ten countries to discuss strategies for fostering startup ecosystems.
In his session titled “Singapore’s Model for Startup Ecosystem,” Lian explored how Singapore has transformed from a colonial trading post into a global innovation hub, emphasizing its strategic policies, robust infrastructure, and international collaborations. This article distills the key points and highlights from Lian’s speech, offering a comprehensive look at Singapore’s startup success story.
Singapore’s Journey to a Global Innovation Hub
Lian began by tracing Singapore’s evolution from a 19th-century colonial trading port to one of the world’s leading startup hubs in the 21st century. This transformation, he noted, was not accidental but the result of deliberate government policies, a strategic location, and a forward-thinking approach to innovation. With a startup ecosystem valued at approximately SGD 1.44 billion, Singapore has leveraged its position in Asia, multilingual workforce, and robust financial sector to attract entrepreneurs and investors alike.
“Singapore’s strength lies in its location in Asia, a multilingual workforce, and a very robust financial sector,” Lian emphasized. The city-state hosts nearly all major global venture capital (VC) funds, either through Asian offices or dedicated subdivisions, making it a magnet for startups in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and deep tech. With over 4,500 tech startups, more than 400 VC firms, and 240 incubators and accelerators, Singapore has created a comprehensive ecosystem that supports startups at every stage of their journey.
Government Initiatives: The Backbone of Success
A cornerstone of Singapore’s startup ecosystem is its proactive government support, exemplified by initiatives like Startup SG and the Smart Nation vision. Lian highlighted how these programs have been instrumental in driving entrepreneurial growth and technological advancement. Startup SG, launched in 2017, provides mentorship, grants, and networking opportunities, fostering an environment where startups can thrive. “The networking opportunity is, in my opinion, the most important part,” Lian said, underscoring how connections facilitated by Startup SG have led to success stories in the VC space.
Since 2015, the Singapore government has invested over SGD 1 billion in startup programs, supporting more than 2,000 startups annually across sectors like fintech, healthcare, and sustainability. Programs like the Startup SG Founder Grant offer up to SGD 50,000 and mentorship to first-time entrepreneurs, while Startup SG Equity co-invests up to SGD 8 million with private VCs in high-growth startups. Lian cited Ninja Van, a logistics provider that scaled rapidly with support from SG Equity funding, as a prime example of how these initiatives translate into real-world success.
The Smart Nation initiative, another key pillar, integrates technology into areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Lian noted that Singapore’s small size makes it an ideal testbed for innovative solutions, enabling rapid implementation and iteration. “Because we are small, it’s easy for us to implement a lot of different initiatives,” he said, pointing to Singapore’s ambition to lead in smart urban living.
Historical Milestones and Growth Phases
Lian provided a historical perspective to illustrate Singapore’s long-term commitment to innovation. In 1981, the National Computer Board (NCB) laid the groundwork for tech development, followed by companies like Creative Technology, which pioneered MP3 players and speakers. By 2000, the Economic Development Board (EDB) launched a bioscience initiative, attracting SGD 2 billion in startup investments. The National Research Foundation, established in 2006, further bolstered research and development (R&D) efforts, supporting companies like Hyflux, a water refinery innovator.
The period from 2010 to 2015 marked a significant growth phase, with startup funding rising from USD 80 million to USD 1 billion. Lian highlighted Lazada, founded in 2012, which leveraged Singapore’s logistical advantages to become a dominant e-commerce player in Southeast Asia. By 2017, the ecosystem had grown to USD 11 billion, driven by government support and global attention. Companies like Grab, initially a Malaysia-based startup, solidified their unicorn status in Singapore, expanding into markets like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand while diversifying into financial tools and cryptocurrency payments.
Attracting Global Talent and Partnerships
Singapore’s ability to attract global talent and foster international partnerships was another key focus of Lian’s speech. With over 150,000 foreign professionals working in Singapore—29% of whom are in the tech sector—the city-state has become a hub for diverse expertise. Initiatives like the Tech.Pass, launched in 2021, and the EntrePass offer visas to top talent and entrepreneurs, with approval rates for tech roles reaching 90%. “The government views talent as one of the key pillars of economic growth,” Lian noted, highlighting the selective yet supportive nature of these programs.
International collaborations further enhance Singapore’s global competitiveness. Partnerships with institutions like MIT, Tsinghua University, and the Israel Innovation Authority have driven advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and deep tech. The Singapore-Israel Innovation Summit in 2022, for instance, facilitated cross-border exchanges, enabling Singaporean and Israeli companies to learn from each other. Collaborations with the World Bank, DBS, and the United Nations on fintech projects, as well as partnerships with France on autonomous systems, underscore Singapore’s commitment to global integration.
A Supportive Regulatory Environment
Singapore’s pro-business regulatory framework is a critical enabler of its startup ecosystem. Lian emphasized the ease of doing business, with company registration possible within one to two days. The city-state ranks highly for its strong legal framework and business-friendly policies, making it a preferred destination for crypto and fintech companies.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has established a fintech sandbox, which Lian described as “one of the best” he has seen, allowing startups to test innovative solutions with regulatory guidance. Compliance workshops and a trusted reputation further enhance Singapore’s appeal, ensuring accountability while fostering innovation.
Success Stories and Future Outlook
Lian shared inspiring success stories to illustrate Singapore’s impact. Carousell, a marketplace platform, grew from a valuation of a few million to unicorn status with support from Singaporean funds and government initiatives. Similarly, ShopBack’s cashback model and Grab’s expansion into financial services highlight the scalability of Singapore-based startups. Over 40% of Singapore’s unicorn founders have international backgrounds, reflecting the city-state’s ability to attract and nurture global talent.
Looking ahead, Lian identified fintech, healthcare, deep tech, AI, cryptocurrency, and green tech as key growth sectors. Singapore’s consistent VC funding—over USD 12 billion in recent years—and its ranking as the fifth-best startup ecosystem globally position it for continued leadership. “Those who dare to dream big are the architects of a better world,” Lian concluded, inviting entrepreneurs to explore Singapore’s supportive ecosystem. He extended a personal offer to connect with startups, emphasizing Singapore’s willingness to go the extra mile compared to other governments.
Bottom Line
Anndy Lian’s speech at the Mongolia event painted a vivid picture of Singapore’s startup ecosystem, driven by strategic government initiatives, a robust financial sector, and a commitment to global collaboration. From its historical roots to its current status as a top-five global startup hub, Singapore offers a model for fostering innovation through talent attraction, regulatory support, and international partnerships.
With success stories like Carousell, Grab, and Ninja Van, and a forward-looking focus on emerging technologies, Singapore continues to solidify its position as a launchpad for startups aiming to make a global impact. For entrepreneurs worldwide, Lian’s message was clear: Singapore is ready to help you turn bold dreams into reality.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
