Singapore continues to assert its position as one of the leading smart cities globally, ranked ninth in the annual IMD Smart City Index. This ranking, unchanged from the previous year, highlights the city-state’s commitment to enhancing urban living through digitalization and advanced infrastructure.

Leading Smart City Rankings

In the latest evaluation by the Swiss business school IMD, Zurich topped the list, followed by Oslo, Geneva, London, and Copenhagen. Dubai secured the sixth position, while Lausanne, Canberra, and Abu Dhabi followed closely. Notably, Singapore’s ranking has seen fluctuations in the past few years, demonstrating its dynamic urban environment. In 2021, Singapore was ranked seventh, climbed to fifth in 2024, fell to ninth in 2025, before securing its current position.

Evaluation Criteria for Smart Cities

The IMD Smart City Index assesses urban centers based on residents’ perceptions in several key areas: health and safety, mobility, recreational activities, employment opportunities, and governance. This year, the survey encompassed 148 cities, with about 120 residents surveyed in each location, gathering valuable insights from 2023 to 2025. Singapore excelled particularly well in perceptions surrounding digital services, with a significant 82.5% of residents reporting satisfaction with the internet’s speed and reliability.

Key Findings and Resident Concerns

Despite its accolades and strong performance in various categories, Singapore faces pressing challenges. The survey revealed that affordable housing was the leading concern among respondents, affecting 82% of participants. Additionally, issues such as fulfilling employment opportunities and healthcare services were highlighted by 55% and 46% of residents, respectively. A positive takeaway, however, was that 89.1% of those surveyed indicated that access to online information fostered a greater trust in local authorities, contrasting sharply with the average of 55.8% seen in similarly developed cities.

In summary, Singapore’s ranking as the ninth smartest city serves as both a testament to its robust infrastructure and a reminder of the areas in which it must continue to improve. The constant evaluation through the IMD index encourages urban planners and policymakers to prioritize the needs of residents, ensuring that the city remains an attractive place to live, work, and innovate. As urban living evolves, countries worldwide can glean insights from Singapore’s journey and strive for enhancements in their own cities.