Singapore is no longer just a strategic gateway in Southeast Asia; it’s fast becoming a vibrant hub for technology and innovation that demands our attention. AvePoint, a US cybersecurity firm, has just underscored this transformation by becoming the first company to be dual-listed on both Nasdaq and the Singapore Exchange (SGX). This bold move speaks volumes about Singapore’s growing influence, especially in driving technological advancement and intellectual property development.
When I first heard about AvePoint’s decision to list in Singapore, my curiosity was piqued—not because it’s unusual for foreign firms to list here, but because AvePoint’s narrative highlights something deeper. It’s a testament to Singapore’s evolving ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fostering collaborations that seamlessly blend government initiatives, academic institutions, and commercial entities. Dr. Jiang Tianyi, AvePoint’s founder and CEO, emphasizes this synergy, particularly spotlighting the company’s R&D hub at Fusionopolis, which functions as AvePoint’s Asia headquarters and intellectual property powerhouse.
This hub is not merely an office; it embodies a mission—one centered on innovation and the critical role of technology in workforce upskilling amid the AI revolution. Dr. Jiang’s insight resonates profoundly with what many Singapore SMEs and tech startups are experiencing today. The perpetual need to adapt, to reinvent workforce skills in a rapidly shifting technological landscape, is now a matter of survival, not just growth.
The hub’s plan to increase headcount from about 300 to 500 by 2026 signals far more than business expansion; it heralds job creation, knowledge transfer, and a concrete commitment to Singapore’s tech ecosystem. For those of us who’ve been in the trenches helping businesses adapt to digital threats, this growth provides an encouraging signal: innovation hubs can indeed thrive here, and more importantly, they are investing in people—a crucial foundation.
From a market perspective, AvePoint’s debut on SGX on September 19 was intriguing—opening at $20.20 before settling lower—and yet, this volatility doesn’t diminish the significance. The threefold oversubscription of its share offer, albeit limited to institutional investors, illustrates robust confidence in Singapore’s capital market among discerning stakeholders. Plus, being the first dual-listed company on these major exchanges paves the way for others in the tech space eyeing this region.
In conversations with many local SMEs and tech leaders, there’s often a sense of hesitation around the prospects of Singapore’s financial markets supporting ambitious tech companies. AvePoint’s strategy shatters this myth, showing that the SGX can attract sizable institutional investments and offer a platform well-positioned to support global technology players. It’s a wake-up call to all businesses and investors alike that Singapore’s financial ecosystem is far from static.
Financially, the numbers certainly bolster AvePoint’s narrative. A 31 percent revenue increase to US$102 million in Q2 2025, alongside a full earnings turnaround from a US$12.8 million loss to a US$2.7 million profit, speaks to a company not just surviving but thriving with resilience and sharp execution. These figures may seem like just stats on paper, but practically, they reflect the fruits of investing heavily in innovation and strategic presence in Asia.
Stepping back, AvePoint’s journey holds lessons for Singapore’s SMEs and regional firms. In an age where data protection and effective information management are non-negotiable, understanding global market movements and positioning ourselves accordingly is crucial. AvePoint recognized Singapore as much more than a base of operations; it’s a strategic ally in the quest for sustainable tech innovation and business resilience.
Dr. Jiang’s candid reflections offer an optimistic outlook on SGX’s future. While AvePoint’s listing wasn’t motivated by government schemes like the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Equity Market Development Programme, the existence of such initiatives undoubtedly enhances Singapore’s attractiveness. Capital markets must evolve alongside technological progress, and AvePoint’s belief that this company will be just the first of many to re-energize SGX reinforces that vision.
There’s a powerful emotional undercurrent here—Singapore has always been synonymous with governance excellence, family enterprises, and a robust business environment. The prospect of SGX climbing the ranks as a top exchange in Asia and globally now seems not only plausible but inevitable if innovation continues at this pace. The notion of a “rejuvenated SGX” is not just strategic jargon; it’s an empirical reality unfolding before us.
When I interact with businesses navigating the complexities of digital transformation and cybersecurity, I often hear apprehension about scaling globally from Singapore. AvePoint challenges that notion. It proves that with the right blend of strategic investment, innovation, and market savvy, local efforts can indeed have a global footprint. This evolution should inspire confidence among SMEs and entrepreneurs eager to expand while securing their critical assets in this fast-changing world.
Over 25,000 customers and 5,000 partners worldwide entrust AvePoint to safeguard their collaborative platforms, including giants like Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce. As an observer witnessing similar struggles firsthand at ground level, I see this as more than corporate growth—it’s about building a safer digital ecosystem that other businesses, big and small, can rely on.
Singapore’s status as a nexus for innovation, governance, and capital excellence is on full display here. AvePoint’s story is a vibrant reminder that Singapore’s tech landscape is fertile ground for companies that dare to rethink, innovate, and invest decisively in the future. More importantly, it reflects a broader shift where technology, workforce upskilling, and market confidence intersect to form an ecosystem ready to tackle the future’s uncertainties.
For any business leader, entrepreneur, or stakeholder who’s been watching Singapore’s growth story unfold, AvePoint’s dual listing and strategic expansion is a clarion call: The future belongs to those who innovate relentlessly, embrace collaboration, and leverage the synergy of Singapore’s unparalleled environment. The momentum is here; it’s time to seize it.