February 12, 2025
SINGAPORE – In a significant milestone, Singapore has reclaimed the title of the least corrupt country in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time in 14 years, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report released on February 11.
New Zealand, which had held the top spot for 14 consecutive years, has slipped to second place. This resurgence places Singapore third globally, its highest ranking since 2020.
Scoring an impressive 84 out of 100, Singapore maintained a two-point increase from its fifth-place standing in 2023. It’s important to note that the highest score Singapore has achieved since the CPI’s recalibration in 2012 was 87.
The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories by gauging perceptions of public-sector corruption among businesspeople and experts. Denmark, with a score of 90, tops the global list for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand (83), and Luxembourg (81).
Transparency International’s report highlights a critical issue: the stark difference between nations with strong, independent institutions and free elections and those with repressive regimes. Full democracies average a CPI score of 73, whereas flawed democracies average 47, and non-democratic regimes score just 33.
Urantsetseg Ulziikhuu, Asia regional coordinator at Transparency International, clarified that a high CPI score does not signify zero corruption but underscores robust mechanisms to prevent and address it.
In an illustrative case, the conviction of former Transport Minister S. Iswaran in October 2024 marked a milestone. Iswaran was handed a 12-month jail term, the first time a former cabinet minister faced such a consequence. On February 7, 2025, he was placed on the Home Detention Scheme after serving four months.
Ulziikhuu attributed Singapore’s rise in the rankings to the declining performance of previously leading countries like New Zealand and Australia. She emphasized that Singapore’s stable score amid the decline of other nations highlighted its strong anti-corruption framework.
SOURCE: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL; GRAPHICS: THE STRAITS TIMES
SOURCE: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL; GRAPHICS: THE STRAITS TIMES
However, challenges remain. Ulziikhuu highlighted the risk of illicit financial flows, which could be exploited given Singapore’s status as a major financial center. This poses a potential threat to public integrity in the future.
The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) stated that Singapore’s reputation as one of the least corrupt nations is the result of sustained efforts and public vigilance. The CPIB emphasized its commitment to investigating all reports of wrongdoing seriously.
Wilson Ang, head of Asia regulatory compliance and investigations at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, commended Singapore’s consistent stance against corruption, even amid global tensions. He noted that decisive enforcement actions reinforce the message that no one is above the law.
Transparency International also addressed the broader implications of corruption. Two-thirds of the jurisdictions scored below 50, highlighting the severe impact on global efforts to address climate change. Corruption undermines governance, weakens law enforcement, and diverts climate finance.
A recent risk assessment report by Singapore identified the country as a transit point for environmental crimes and dirty money linked to the illegal wildlife trade. For instance, in 2020, a bank detected a suspicious transaction related to the illegal export of cheetahs.
These incidents underscore the need for robust anti-corruption measures to protect the effectiveness of global climate agreements. Transparent governance and strong regulatory frameworks are crucial in addressing climate challenges.
As Singapore maintains its top standing in combating corruption, it sets an example for other nations. This achievement underscores the importance of transparency, stringent laws, and public awareness in fostering a culture of integrity.
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