SINGAPORE—Singapore's Economic Development Board has hired agencies in several countries, including its home market, as it aims to bolster its global business credentials and boost inward investment.

In Singapore, the EDB has hired GolinHarris to oversee domestic public relations, along with project activity in India and China. The two year assignment is worth S$900k.

The EDB has not typically retained domestic PR counsel, but it is understood that the organization is stepping up efforts in order to better compete with other government bodies, particularly Spring Singapore and A-Star, for funding.

Meanwhile, the EDB has retained incumbent firm Edelman in the US. In the UK, however, the EDB has shifted its S$500k contract from Edelman to FTI Consulting. In Japan, meanwhile, the S$250k assignment has been awarded to Ashton Consulting.

Several global PR firms competed for the various bids, including Burson-Marsteller, DCI, FleishmanHillard, Grayling, MSLGroup, MWW, Ogilvy PR, Ozma, Ruder Finn and Waggener-Edstrom.

 According to Vriens & Partners Asia-Pacific Investment Climate Index last year, Singapore remains the region's top investment destination, although it lags Hong Kong on its openness to international trade and business.