According to the latest data, Investors in Singapore are increasing grabbing opportunities in Asian countries with more than half of the outward investment in the region during the previous one year.

The latest data released by trade agency International Enterprise (IE) Singapore showed that or 57.7 per cent of Singapore's direct investments in other countries in 2011 was made in Asian countries. The level of 57.7 per cent represents about $240 billion of investments from Singapore firms.

The figure represents an increase of 6.5 per cent from the previous year. Meanwhile, the total increase in the overall direct investment abroad grew only 1.7 per cent to $416.4 billion in 2011, indicating that more investment from the country is being directed towards Asian region.

Within Asia, China has been the top destination for Singapore investment at $76.6 billion during the year. IE Singapore said that investments are increasing being targeted towards Asia and the trend is likely to continue in the coming future, due to the high growth expected in the region's emerging economies.

Mr Teo Eng Cheong, Chief Executive Officer of IE Singapore, said, "Emerging markets are not insulated from the global slowdown but they continue to be the engine of growth for our investments and trade.

The growing middle class, young population and urbanisation in these markets offer opportunities which will fuel our companies' growth, and this will create good jobs with regional and global responsibilities for Singaporeans."

He also said that the IE Singapore will help investors from the country with its global network and on-the-ground knowledge.