From LA to Singapore: Why this Publicis Groupe global exec chose to move her family across the globe

When Suhaila Hobba decided to move her family across continents from Los Angeles to Singapore, she wasn’t just looking for a new career opportunity. This was a return to her roots, bringing her children closer to the Asian culture that had profoundly shaped her own upbringing in Malaysia.

"I wanted my children to experience Asia not as tourists, but as residents," she shares. "Singapore provided exactly the blend of global perspective and regional grounding we were seeking."

As the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Global Client Partner for Transformation at Publicis Groupe, Hobba connects ambitious global brands with the rapidly evolving markets of the region through transformational collaborations for business growth. Her role integrates data, technology, and AI solutions to digitalise, modernise, and accelerate business operations.

Drawing from her previous leadership roles at global companies such as Amazon, Yahoo, and OMD, the mother of two says, “my experience has taught me that transformation is as much about people and culture as it is about strategy. And in Singapore, where it’s a melting pot of cultures, you’ll find talent that’s adaptable, culturally intelligent, with the unique ability to bridge traditional practices with emerging digital trends.”

The city-state, she adds, offers access to multidisciplinary talent, including engineers, data scientists, strategists, and creative minds who possess both technical skills and a deep understanding of APAC’s diverse cultural nuances.

As a global AI and innovation hub, many international and major brands have also established their headquarters in Singapore, forming a strategic nucleus to reach regional and global markets. To business executives like Hobba, Singapore represents a valuable route for personal advancement and to be part of an inevitable growth story.

Making the move

Moving to a new environment with a family can often be complicated, but Singapore’s Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) simplified the process.

More than just a work visa, Hobba describes it as a “strategic enabler” that removes the complexities typically associated with senior leadership roles abroad.

Global leaders seeking stability, flexibility, and opportunity will benefit the most. With a five-year validity and the ability to seamlessly engage with multiple entities, the ONE Pass gave Hobba and her family the freedom to integrate swiftly into their new lives without bureaucratic hindrances. This sets business leaders up to lead their organisations, and people.

Notably, the ONE Pass also enables employment possibilities for spouses through a Letter of Consent. For Hobba, this was critical. “My husband was able to seamlessly explore employment opportunities, allowing both our careers to continue growing.”

Hobba advises future relocators to “plan early, especially with children and pets. While the ONE Pass streamlined many complexities, early preparation around housing and schooling made our family’s journey even smoother.”

Finding 'home' in Singapore

Having lived in dynamic cities across the globe, including Kuala Lumpur, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, Hobba highlights Singapore’s unique appeal: "It offers a rare balance of efficiency, cultural richness, and intentionality."

Unlike cities where life often feels rushed, she appreciates Singapore’s considered approach. "Systems here work seamlessly from public transportation to education, creating a structured yet spontaneous family life."

Upon arrival, Hobba immersed herself and her family into Singapore’s vibrant community life. Connecting with fellow parents at local school events and participating in neighbourhood gatherings quickly deepened their sense of belonging.

An unexpected yet delightful aspect was reconnecting with childhood friends now residing in Singapore, adding personal depth to their integration. "These personal connections have truly made Singapore feel like home," Hobba says warmly.

This includes forming close personal and professional relationships across industries, allowing Hobba to tap into experts in areas such as technology, finance, consumer goods, and more. This has led to increased avenues to collaborate and co-create, a boon for her career and family life alike.

Her children’s experiences reflect this integration vividly as well. From attending lively local festivals to independently navigating the city via public transport, her children rapidly embraced their new home.

“They have immersed themselves fully, learning that cultural diversity isn’t reserved for special occasions, it’s an everyday experience here,” Hobba notes. She especially values Singapore’s blend of structure, safety, and cultural stimulation, which actively nurtures curiosity, empathy, and global citizenship among children.

Innovation and impact for the future

Mentorship also plays a significant role in Hobba’s journey. As part of Publicis Groupe's Mentorship × Marcel initiative, she actively mentors emerging leaders, fostering a vibrant leadership culture within the organisation. “Mentorship is deeply reciprocal,” Hobba says. “It’s about nurturing talent, and also about embracing fresh perspectives.”

Her broader goal is to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s professional and personal communities, helping bridge global ideas with local relevance.

"Success, for me, is measured not just in campaigns but in people — the leaders nurtured, communities impacted, and the cultural bridges built," Hobba shares thoughtfully. Her personal vision also remains clear: raising her children with cultural duality, balancing global perspectives with deeply rooted Asian values.

Looking forward, Hobba envisions herself evolving from a transformation leader to a "growth architect," designing future-facing models that scale innovation across APAC markets, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, while remaining locally agile.

To find out more about Singapore’s ONE Pass, available visa schemes, and talent resources, visit the EDB website for more details. Check out our Living in Singapore guide for more information about life here.