Choosing the location of your business is integral. Whether you’re setting up shop permanently or looking to rent an office space for a season or two, location matters. This guide explores some of the best cities in Asia Pacific for establishing your business and gives you some invaluable tips for choosing an office location that works for your business type and style.
If you’re ready to take the leap and book professional office space in the city of your choice, contact us today.
Why Office Location Matters:
Where you choose to set up your office impacts more than just your monthly rent and commute time. A good business location encourages connections with business partners and creates a lasting impression. On the other hand, a poorly chosen business location can leave employees and potential business connections with a sour taste in their mouths before they even step foot in the room.
Impressions matter. You wouldn’t turn up to a meeting in sweatpants and a holey sweater, so why would you conduct business in an unprofessional location?
The problem is that what suits one business may not suit another. If you’re launching a funky tech startup, a location in Silicon Valley makes sense. However, if you’re a freelance accountant, having clients visit your top-story office in the financial district is more appropriate.
To choose your business location, think about:
• What industry are you in?
• What are your clients interested in?
• What do potential business partners and connections expect of you?
• Where are other businesses like yours located?
Most cities will have a finance and/or economic district, a central business district, and smaller ‘unusual’ districts that have more arts and culture. Which is best for you depends on the factors above. Once you’ve got an idea of what would be a good fit for your business, you can start to explore key cities for suitable districts.
External Business Location:
No matter what district you think will be a good fit for you, there are some key considerations when you’re deciding which office building is right for you. Look for business locations that offer:
• Convenience – places to eat, coffee chains, and public transport should be close by.
• Navigation – the office should be easy to reach or signposted if it’s tucked away.
• Neighbourhood – is there a noisy factory next door or is it a quiet and vacant street? Strike a balance between the two.
• Infrastructure – check your phone signal and Wi-Fi options.
• Travel – is there a car park nearby? Don’t automatically assume all visitors will take public transport.
Internal Corporate Fit-Out:
Once you’ve found a good location, take a look inside the building for:
• Accessibility – is it easy to reach the office you’re interested in? Is there lift access for the disabled?
• Flexibility – does the office building have limited opening times? Can you come in on the weekends?
• Amenities – is Wi-Fi included? What about restrooms and waiting rooms? Check the AC unit too!
• Opportunities – could you rent the offices above, next or below you? How flexible is the lease?
• Furnishings – if the office is available furnished, can you rearrange the furniture or add decorations to suit your brand?
If you are looking for a rental office with a premium feel in the perfect location, learn more about Compass Offices below.
Five Best Business Locations to Consider:
These five cities are growing in popularity and are well worth considering for your business location. You can find our professional business spaces to rent in all of these cities too.
With several business districts across Hong Kong, you are spoilt for choice. Admiralty is key if you are in an administration business, like accounting, finance or consultancy, as you’re located close to Government Headquarters. If you’d prefer a more lively and well-connected business location, Sheung Wan could be for you, as you’re only a stone’s throw from art galleries, artisan cafés, and the Central District.
Central and Causeway Bay are home to some of the most luxurious real estate in Asia – having an office address in these locations can really build on the high-end appeal for your business – these locations are home to bankers, investment firms, asset management companies, recruitment and some luxurious retailers.
The city is separated by the South China Sea and is divided into Hong Kong Island and Kowloon – Kowloon also houses a number of businesses especially those that have daily travel into the Mainland. Tsim Sha Tsui in particular is a fine balance between being a central business district and having near connectivity to fast train, taxi, private car hailing and buses for China.
In Hong Kong, networking and negotiations are crucial to success, so having a professional office space should be high on your list of priorities. Remember to stay calm and polite, as rushing through business meetings or showing impatience could be perceived as hostility.
Australia’s second-largest city shouldn’t be underestimated as an amazing location for your business. Business associates, connections and partners will be impressed when they visit your professional office space in this city! Melbourne’s Central Business Districts are popular with tech, finance, sporting and communication corporations. They’re also well-connected, with superb transport networks taking you across the city and into the suburbs.
Another reason to consider Melbourne is its one of the most liveable cities with relatively low-risk status. Compared to many business hubs across Asia, Melbourne has a low risk for natural disasters as well as terrorism, cyber-attacks and market crashes.
If you’re looking for a veritable business and economic hub, Sydney is a great business location to consider. The city is known for having high-quality liveability and a year-round mild climate – so if you’re all about hitting a work-life balance, Sydney has got your back.
Sydney CBD, Barangaroo and North Sydney are the main districts for business offices. Sydney CBD is best for finance and economics, while Barangaroo is our top choice for quirky businesses and startups thanks to the many eateries and cultural experiences along the waterfront. The business district in North Sydney is popular with science, tech and finance companies, but attracts all kinds of businesses with its characterful buildings and great commuter links.
Working in Japan is drastically different to working in the West, so if you’re looking for an incredible and different experience, Tokyo could be the city for your business location. Tokyo is particularly great for digital nomads looking to hire office space for business meetings. The city is renowned for being spotlessly clean and highly efficient, so you’ll never be late due to public transport or feel unsafe exploring the city. Exploring and living in Tokyo is surprisingly affordable compared to other capital cities across Asia.
At Compass Offices, we recommend looking at the Shibuya-ku and Minato-ku areas for renting a business office. These areas are great for business as they are bustling with international corporations and have plenty of green open spaces too.
Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, is a lively mix of rich history, cultural diversity, and modern innovation. Renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, from street food delights to fine dining, the city boasts a friendly, welcoming vibe that draws visitors from around the globe. Increasingly, Osaka is being recognised as a key business hub in Asia, attracting entrepreneurs and companies alike.
With its prime location, robust manufacturing sector, and supportive government initiatives, the city is bursting with investment opportunities. This dynamic metropolis is more than just a culinary hotspot; it offers a fascinating blend of traditional heritage and contemporary opportunities. With its bustling markets, historic temples, and cutting-edge technology districts, Osaka is a vibrant case study for anyone interested in urban development, business dynamics, and the interplay of culture and commerce. Whether you're exploring its rich past or engaging with its forward-thinking present, Osaka truly has something for everyone.
Condé Nast Traveller ranked Singapore as the friendliest city in the world for 2024, thanks to its “financial powerhouses, pristine streets, unrivalled security standards” and “diverse communities.” We believe that Singapore is not just one of the best places to live, but also one of the best places to do business.
The lavish high rises never fail to impress, and we highly recommend looking for an office to rent in the Central Business District. You’ll be among many multinational corporations from Singapore Airlines to pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca and Roche. Singapore is also highly connected with the global markets and one of a popular destinations for expats. You’ll find travel around Asia and beyond is easy to organize and travel around Singapore itself isn’t a challenge either.
Ho Chi Minh City is really making a name for itself as a stable and fast-growing spot for international business and foreign investment. It's got loads of great things going for it, like a solid political scene, a track record of impressive economic growth, and a young, skilled workforce. Plus, it's well placed near some of East Asia’s top emerging economies and has a pretty open approach to foreign direct investment (FDI). Its friendly business policies really stand out among its Southeast Asian counterparts, attracting a good flow of foreign capital.
It is a brilliant choice for expats for a bunch of reasons. The cost of living is pretty low, so you can enjoy a decent lifestyle without spending a fortune. The culture is vibrant, with tasty food and friendly locals, making it a fun place to be. There are plenty of job opportunities, especially in education and tech. Plus, you’ll find a welcoming expat community and loads of stunning scenery to explore. It’s also well-placed for quick trips around Southeast Asia. With modern amenities in the cities and English widely spoken, settling in is a breeze. Overall, Vietnam’s got a lot to offer!
When we think of the Philippines, we recognise it as a leader in business process outsourcing (BPO) services, not just in the Asia Pacific but globally. The friendly and welcoming nature of Filipinos, combined with their familiarity with Western culture, makes it easy for expats to settle in. This open and flexible vibe makes Manila an excellent choice for setting up a business or investing.
Establishing a business in Manila offers significant advantages, such as low overhead costs. The city is emerging as a hub for office and commercial spaces, with new developments catering to increasing demand at competitive rates. Many PEZA-accredited buildings provide valuable tax incentives, and the local government offers additional perks for foreign investors. Plus, there’s a wealth of skilled professionals and graduates available at lower salary rates than in other countries.
With its prime geographical position and robust economic growth, Manila has firmly re-established itself on the investment map, attracting global companies and foreign investors looking for promising opportunities in Southeast Asia.
How Rental Offices Are the Future
The impression your business makes is so important. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking to put down roots for a season or two, or a new startup looking for office space in an up-and-coming city, Compass Offices can help.
We believe flexible offices are the future, offering you a fully functional and smartly fitted-out space to conduct business in an impressive location in Asia Pacific. If you need an upscale, flexible and business-ready office with plenty of flexibility, explore Compass Offices today.