Chinese Companies Eye Singapore Listings to Expand in Southeast Asia

At least five companies from mainland China or Hong Kong are planning IPOs, dual listings, or share placements in Singapore over the next 12 to 18 months, as Chinese firms seek to expand in Southeast Asia amid rising global trade tensions, Yantoultra Ngui reported for Reuters.

In 2024, SGX hosted just four IPOs, compared to 71 listings on rival bourse Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd.

The companies include a Chinese energy firm, a healthcare group, and a Shanghai-based biotech company, according to four sources familiar with the plans.

They declined to name the firms, as the listings are not yet finalized.

The moves could provide a significant boost to Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX), which has struggled to attract large-scale listings despite its popularity for yield-based securities like real estate investment trusts.

In 2024, SGX hosted just four IPOs, compared to 71 listings on rival bourse Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd.

Chinese firms see Singapore as a gateway to Southeast Asia, especially amid ongoing trade frictions with the United States, said Jason Saw, head of investment banking at CGS International Securities.