By Vicky Sidler | Published 23 May 2025 at 12:00 GMT

If you’ve ever tried to pick the shortest checkout line only to watch the other line move faster, you already understand the global stock market.

This week, Reuters reported that at least five Chinese and Hong Kong companies are lining up to list on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). That’s right—Singapore, not Hong Kong.

And while it might sound like boardroom news for suits in skyscrapers, this shift holds a powerful lesson for small business owners everywhere.

Why Chinese Firms Are Betting on Singapore:

Let’s start with the obvious question: Why Singapore?

Traditionally, Chinese companies have favored Hong Kong for going public. It’s bigger, more familiar, and backed by Beijing. In 2024, Hong Kong hosted 71 new listings, while Singapore managed just four.

But times are changing.

Thanks to the ongoing US-China trade war, businesses are looking for new ways to reach global customers without getting caught in political crossfire. That’s where Singapore’s “gateway” advantage comes in.

Pol de Win, a senior leader at SGX, put it like this:

“Singapore is an important gateway… and a listing in Singapore is an important component of that.”

Translation? Companies are using Singapore to reach new markets, reduce risk, and diversify beyond familiar territory.

What This Means for Your Business:

You might not be eyeing an IPO, but you are looking for growth. And this story highlights three practical moves that apply to businesses of any size:

1. Expand beyond your usual market.

2. Position yourself as a safe, stable choice.

3. Make it easy for buyers to say yes.

Let’s break these down.

1. Look for Your Own “Gateway”:

Singapore is becoming a launchpad for Chinese firms into Southeast Asia. What’s your version of that?

• Is there a new audience you could reach?

• A new channel you haven’t tried yet?

• A partnership that could open doors?

It might be as simple as launching in a new city, testing a new platform like LinkedIn, or working with a local advocate to reach fresh customers.

2. Market Your Stability:

One thing Singapore has that buyers love is political stability. It’s known as a safe, neutral place to do business.

Small businesses can do the same by showing up consistently—with clear messaging, steady pricing, and trustworthy customer service.

If your audience sees you as the safe choice, they’ll spend with more confidence.

3. Make It Easy to Engage:

Singapore’s new 20% tax rebate for listings shows how incentives can nudge people toward action.

What’s your version of a “tax rebate”?

• A free trial?

• A discount for first-time buyers?

• A clear, low-risk offer?

Remove friction, lower the barrier, and watch more buyers move forward.

Expand With Confidence—No Suit Required:

I’m a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, and I’ve seen firsthand how simple, consistent messaging wins—whether you’re listing on a stock exchange or selling to your local community.

Need help turning these lessons into action? Download my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’s a simple tool that helps you craft one clear sentence that builds trust and moves buyers to action.

Grab your free 5-Minute Marketing Fix here.

Because if Chinese giants can pivot their strategy mid-trade war, you can definitely try a new lane at checkout.