A welcoming environment.

Singapore ranked as one of the easiest countries in the world in which to do business for the ninth consecutive year. The wealthy island nation of Singapore topped the World Bank’s ease of doing business rankings for the ninth consecutive year, according to the Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency’ report, released Wednesday. There are rules, for sure, but they are clearly laid out and easy to follow. New companies can be set up in minutes.

Serious government’s investment in achieving the goal.

Singapore is perhaps the most proactive government in the world when it comes to developing the tech industry: it pumps tons of money into grants and initiatives to create its own version of Silicon Valley. Entrepreneurs have long been able to tap into a range of grants and related programs to help with early development activities.