Singapore, Beijing Rank Among Top Global Tech Cities in Savills Matcha Index
- tech360.tv
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Singapore and Beijing have emerged as two of the world’s most liveable cities for technology workers, according to Savills’ inaugural Matcha Index. The index evaluates locations based on their "buzz" and the quality of spaces where employees can collaborate and socialise.
Cafe culture has become a crucial element of social infrastructure supporting the technology ecosystem, with matcha lattes establishing themselves as a preferred beverage for young professionals. This trend reflects broader lifestyle shifts, as matcha is valued for its sustained energy release and perceived health benefits.
The international real estate adviser Savills noted that these attributes align with technology workers’ increasing focus on wellness. The cost of a matcha latte varies considerably across cities featured in the index.
An average matcha latte costs USD 3.61 in Beijing, USD 5.43 in Singapore, and USD 6.21 in New York. Despite its higher-priced matcha drinks, Singapore maintains its position as a leading hub for technology workers.
This is attributed to the widespread availability of high-quality cafes and the social connections they foster, a Savills report indicated. Executive Director Sulian Tan-Wijaya of Savills Singapore highlighted the city's vibrant and rich cafe culture.
Tan-Wijaya added that beyond established coffee chains, Singapore's cafe culture now widely embraces matcha, found in lattes, gelato, cakes, and even bubble tea. Matcha is also popular among health-conscious consumers in the city.
Singapore was also an early adopter of "matcha rave parties," which are alcohol-free events that blend wellness activities with nightlife experiences, the Savills study found. The top-ranked cities on the Matcha Index were Tokyo, London, Seoul, Toronto, San Francisco, and Amsterdam.
Following these were Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Beijing, Austin, and Chicago. Beijing offered some of the most affordable matcha lattes globally, making them widely accessible to the national capital’s expanding technology workforce.
China’s technology industry welcomed the Beijing municipal government’s strategy last year to broadly apply artificial intelligence to economic and social enterprises. This move was welcomed amid hopes it could boost market prospects for local suppliers of chips, servers, and AI solutions.
Associate Charlotte Rushton, from Savills World Research team, stated, “The Matcha Index reveals a clear pattern: tech cities that successfully blend lifestyle and innovation tend to thrive.” Rushton further explained that while the index may seem light-hearted, it underscores a serious truth.
She concluded that vibrant cafe cultures, whether centred on espresso or matcha, are essential for urban liveability and connectivity.
Singapore and Beijing ranked among the top global cities for technology worker liveability in Savills’ inaugural Matcha Index.
The index highlights cafe culture, particularly matcha, as a vital social infrastructure supporting the technology ecosystem due to its wellness benefits.
Matcha latte costs vary significantly, with Beijing offering the cheapest at USD 3.61 and New York the most expensive at USD 6.21.
Source: SCMP