Asian countries and regions are showing great potential in providing the highest financial gain for expats living and working there, according to the HSBC's latest Expat Explorer Survey.

In terms of economics, which integrates sub-indicators such as wealth hotspot, income, disposable income and luxuries, Asia dominated the top 10 list, with seven countries and regions appearing here. Vietnam, India and Malaysia share the 10th slot.

Singapore jumped from No. 3 in 2011 to No. 1 in 2012, with 74 percent of expats enjoying an improvement in their household financial status, and 80 percent noticing an increase in disposable income upon locating there, according to the survey. Last year's leader--Saudi Arabia--fell to 18th place.

The Chinese mainland, thanks to its steady economic growth, surged from the 19th spot in 2011 to No. 7 in 2012, while China's Hong Kong SAR ranked 4, 4 slots higher than last year.

The United States slipped from 14th in 2011 to 21st. At the bottom were Kuwait (28th), the United Kingdom (29th) and Italy (30th).

The survey, the fifth edition of its kind, is the world's largest global survey of expats. It questioned 5,339 expats in about 100 countries between May and July 2012 online, with the respondents evaluating their host countries based on an array of factors including economics, overall experience and raising children (in a few countries). A total of 30 countries and regions were ranked in the final report.

China.org.cn has compiled the top ten destinations with highest financial gain for expats:

   Malaysia  马来西亚

Rank 2012: 10; Score: 0.30

Rank 2011: 17; Score: 0.38

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