Analysis of US Corporate Investment in Singapore and Global AI Market Trends

美國企業在新加坡的投資分析與全球 AI 市場趨勢

Jul 7, 2026, 06:03
AsiaFinance

Introduction

This report examines why US companies continue to operate in Singapore and compares the investment outlook for AI-related stocks in the United States and China.

本報告探討美國公司為何繼續在新加坡營運，並比較美國與中國 AI 相關股票的投資前景。

Main Body

Many US companies are currently evaluating whether Singapore remains a cost-effective regional hub. Dr. Lei Hsien-Hsien from the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) emphasized that rising operating costs and the high price of skilled local talent have forced companies to rethink how they use their resources. Furthermore, a 2025 survey revealed a gap between the skills of entry-level local workers and the requirements of employers. Despite these financial challenges, American firms stay in Singapore because of its stability. Mr. Steven Okun asserted that Singapore's main advantage is not low cost, but rather its institutional certainty, which is based on the rule of law and a lack of corruption.

許多美國公司目前正在評估新加坡是否仍為具有成本效益的區域樞紐。美國商會 (AmCham) 的 Lei Hsien-Hsien 博士強調，營運成本上升以及本地專業人才的高昂價格，已迫使公司重新思考如何運用資源。此外，2025 年的一項調查顯示，初階本地員工的技能與雇主的需求之間存在差距。儘管面臨這些財務挑戰，美國公司仍留在新加坡，是因為其穩定性。Steven Okun 先生斷言，新加坡的主要優勢不在於低成本，而是在於基於法治且缺乏腐敗的制度確定性。

At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing where companies invest. Because of remote work and AI-driven productivity, firms are adjusting the number of staff they keep in Singapore. This transition is made more difficult by different international rules, such as the EU AI Act and US restrictions on semiconductor exports. Consequently, Mr. Okun suggested that 'sovereign risk' regarding how AI is used across borders remains a key factor for corporate planning.

同時，人工智慧 (AI) 的興起正在改變公司的投資方向。由於遠端工作和 AI 驅動的生產力，企業正在調整在新加坡保留的員工數量。歐盟 AI 法案和美國對半導體出口限制等不同的國際規則，使得這一轉型過程更加困難。因此，Okun 先生建議，關於 AI 跨境使用的「主權風險」仍是企業規劃的關鍵因素。

On a global level, the BlackRock Investment Institute prefers US stocks over those from China. Although China is strong in manufacturing and battery technology, BlackRock argued that these strengths do not automatically lead to higher stock returns. The institute noted that while the Chinese government supports AI, it is unclear how these companies will become profitable during an economic slowdown. Therefore, BlackRock recommends a selective investment strategy and maintains a stronger position in the US market due to its leadership in advanced AI models and deep capital markets.

在全球層面，貝萊德投資研究所 (BlackRock Investment Institute) 偏好美國股票而非中國股票。雖然中國在製造業和電池技術方面具有強勢，但貝萊德認為這些強項不會自動帶來更高的股票回報。該研究所指出，雖然中國政府支持 AI，但在經濟放緩期間，這些公司如何實現獲利尚不明確。因此，貝萊德建議採取選擇性投資策略，並由於美國在先進 AI 模型和深厚資本市場的領先地位，在美國市場維持較強的配置。

Conclusion

In conclusion, Singapore remains a popular hub because it is reliable and stable, while global AI investment favors the US due to its superior technology and financial infrastructure.

總結來說，新加坡因其可靠與穩定而維持作為熱門樞紐的地位，而全球 AI 投資則青睞美國，因其擁有更優越的技術與金融基礎設施。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Link' Jump

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only and, but, and because. In this text, we see "Connectors of Consequence and Contrast." These are the secret ingredients that make your English sound professional and academic.

🧩 The Power Shift: From Basic to B2

Look at how the text moves from a simple idea to a complex conclusion:

  • Instead of saying "So..." →\rightarrow Use "Consequently"

    • Example: "...different international rules... Consequently, Mr. Okun suggested..."
    • Why: It shows a direct result in a formal way.

  • Instead of saying "But..." →\rightarrow Use "Despite"

    • Example: "Despite these financial challenges, American firms stay..."
    • Why: "Despite" allows you to put a problem first and a surprising result second. It creates a stronger contrast.

  • Instead of saying "Also..." →\rightarrow Use "Furthermore"

    • Example: "...rethink how they use their resources. Furthermore, a 2025 survey revealed..."
    • Why: It tells the reader, "I have more important evidence to add to my argument."

💡 Pro-Tip: The 'Although' Pivot

Notice this sentence: "Although China is strong in manufacturing... these strengths do not automatically lead to higher stock returns."

At A2, you might say: "China is strong, but it doesn't make money." At B2, you use Although to acknowledge a fact first, then pivot to your main point. This makes you sound balanced and objective.

Quick Reference Guide for your next writing:

A2 WordB2 Bridge WordFunction
SoConsequentlyResult
ButDespite / AlthoughContrast
AndFurthermoreAddition

Vocabulary Learning

evaluating (v.)
Carefully judging or calculating the quality, importance, or value of something.
Example:The board is currently evaluating whether the new marketing strategy is effective.
cost-effective (adj.)
Producing good results without costing a lot of money.
Example:Switching to LED bulbs is a cost-effective way to reduce electricity bills.
emphasized (v.)
Gave special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the exam.
asserted (v.)
Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that his client was innocent of all charges.
institutional (adj.)
Relating to an established organization, system, or set of rules.
Example:The country's institutional framework ensures that laws are applied fairly to everyone.
transition (n.)
The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example:The company is undergoing a difficult transition to a fully remote work model.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:He failed to study for the test; consequently, he received a low grade.
selective (adj.)
Carefully choosing only the best or most suitable from a group.
Example:The university is very selective about which students it admits each year.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→