Acoording to the results published by ECA International, a Human Resources Constultancy Organisation, based in London, Singapore has been ranked as the most preferred destination by Asian Expatriates in terms of quality of living, followed by Sydney in Australia. A total number of 254 international locations were chosen for the study by the Organisation in its annual exercise. Singapore scored over the rest of destinations, by virute of quality of its infrastructure and health facilities. The other factors were its low crime rates, cosmopolitan population besides tolerable air pollution which however was considered to be of some concern in 2007 when compared with the previous year, 2006. Otherwise, Singapore topped in the rest of 15 categories chosen to assess the locations.
Sydney which came second had scored well in almost all the 15 criteria, but was relegated to the second because of its geographical distance from Asia. Cultural factor was also a deterrant. Melbourne, again in Australia, took the third; Kobe Japan, followed by Copenhagen, Canberra, Vancouer,Wellingston, Yokohoma and Dublin were the other most preferred places ranking between 4th and 10th most preferred destinations.
Within Asia, Hongkong and Tokyo were tied with each other for the 15th slot. Hongkong which is considered atleast as a business rival to Singapore had considereably improved its appeal for the expatriates in terms of personal security, healthcare infrastructure,but, fell short in terms of air pollution which is considered to be more severe than what it is in Singapore. However, Hongkong scored over Singapore atleast on one aspect; the expatriates considered that Media is much more free and fair in Hongkong vis-a-vis, Singapore where it is according them is more rigid.
From India, surprisingly, the top slot was taken by Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu with a rating of 26 followed by Mumbai (30th) and New Delhi (37th).
Baghdad, Kabul and Karachi are the least favoured destinations in that order because of the high risks to personal security and lack of infrastructural facliites.
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