Asia Pacific cities have demonstrated remarkable resilience in Kearney’s 2025 Global Cities Report, maintaining strong positions on the Global Cities Index (GCI) amidst global volatility. Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai remain in the top 10, showcasing their adaptability in digital infrastructure and institutional agility.
Tokyo held its fourth-place position for the eleventh year, excelling in human capital and cultural experience. Singapore secured the fifth spot, reflecting gains in political engagement and human capital, despite slight declines in cultural experience and business activity. Hong Kong rose to seventh place, driven by an increase in international travellers and cultural offerings.
The Global Cities Index evaluates cities across five dimensions: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement. This year, the Index highlighted the enduring relevance of Asian hubs, with Shigeru Sekinada, Kearney’s Region Chair of Asia Pacific, noting their ability to navigate global dynamics through digital infrastructure and climate resilience.
The Global Cities Outlook (GCO), which assesses future potential, saw significant shifts. Singapore leapt from 20th to third place, driven by infrastructure, GDP per capita, and foreign investment. Seoul climbed to second place, bolstered by innovation and governance improvements.
Emerging hubs like Taipei and Jakarta are also gaining momentum, indicating a redistribution of global opportunity. Kearney’s report concludes that cities’ long-term competitiveness will depend on expanding energy capacity, embedding resilience, and developing AI-ready talent, positioning them to shape the next era of global leadership.
