AdvertisementTechnologyBusinessChina BusinessSingapore, Beijing land in top 10 of Savills’ inaugural Matcha Index of global tech cities
Even with its premium-priced matcha drinks, Singapore ranks among the world’s most ‘liveable’ cities for tech workers
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Zhu Wenqianin BeijingSingapore and Beijing have emerged among the world’s most liveable cities for tech workers, according to Savills’ inaugural Matcha Index, which ranks locations by buzz and by the spaces where these employees can work, connect and spark ideas over a hot – or cold – matcha drink.
The index, released on Tuesday, pointed out how cafe culture has become a vital part of the social infrastructure that supports the tech ecosystem, and that matcha lattes have taken over as the “go-to” drink for young professionals.
That shift reflected broader lifestyle trends: matcha was prized for its slow-release energy and perceived health benefits, aligning with tech workers’ growing focus on wellness, according to international real estate adviser Savills.
AdvertisementThe cost of a matcha latte varied significantly across the cities in the index. The average cost in Beijing was just US$3.61, compared with US$5.43 in Singapore and US$6.21 in New York.
Even with its premium-priced matcha drinks, Singapore held its own as a top hub for tech workers, thanks to its abundant availability of high-quality cafes and the social connectivity they fostered, the Savills report found.
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“Singapore has a vibrant and rich cafe culture,” said Sulian Tan-Wijaya, executive director of retail and lifestyle at Savills Singapore. “Besides the strong presence of established and new coffee chains, our cafe culture has evolved to embrace anything matcha, which you can find in lattes, gelato, cakes and even bubble tea.”
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