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by Koh Hui Theng
EXPATRIATES say Singapore is the top Asian country to raise a family.
They gave the thumbs up to the Republic's reasonable cost of living and noted the improvements in their children's grades while studying here.
However, many felt the city-state could improve its outdoor- lifestyle options.
These were some of the findings that a Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) poll revealed.
The Offshore Offspring report was the second in a three-part study that HSBC Bank International conducted.
It commissioned the research, called the International Expat Explorer Survey, to 'gain insights into expatriates' experiences so that the bank will be able to better tailor specific solutions that match their needs'.
Conducted from February to April this year, 870 parent-respondents from four continents rated their host country in areas such as the cost of raising children, time their children spent studying and time they spent outdoors.
Overall, the Republic - the top Asian nation - ranked fifth among 14 countries, which included the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.
Spain was considered the best location to nurture a family, followed by France, Germany and Canada.
When it came to academic performance, Singapore came in third, with over 40 per cent of respondents saying their kids studied more since becoming expats here.
For Briton Andrew Stephenson, 37, 'the multicultural environment here, which is not readily available elsewhere' is also a bonus.
Hence the vice-president of a satellite company sends his 10- and nine-year-old to a local primary school in Pasir Ris.
In terms of financial costs, Spain and Germany were tied as the cheapest locations to bring up children. Singapore was behind India and China.
The regional director of an aerospace company, Mr Philip Balam, 44, said: 'Lots of things are more expensive in Singapore, such as school fees and transport costs, but the systems are also very good.'
The city-state took fifth spot for encouraging an outdoor lifestyle.
Australia topped the category: Over three quarters of expat parents said their children led a more active lifestyle there, compared to half who said so here.
Results from the final report, which examines how easily expatriates integrate into their host country, will be available at the end of the year.
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