Corruption continues to be one of the most pressing challenges across Southeast Asia. It not only slows down economic growth but also weakens public institutions and fuels social inequality.
According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, public sector corruption remains a significant concern in the region.
The CPI scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates extreme corruption and 100 represents a very clean public sector. Of the 180 countries analyzed, most Southeast Asian nations are still struggling to curb corrupt practices in government, law enforcement, and public services.
The index provides a comprehensive picture of how each country is perceived in terms of transparency and integrity.
Singapore: A Regional Leader in Governance
Among all Southeast Asian countries, Singapore stands out as an exceptional example of clean governance. Achieving a CPI score of 84, the city-state ranks 3rd globally, demonstrating that strong institutions, rigorous anti-corruption laws, and transparency initiatives can produce tangible results.
Singapore’s success shows that even in a region historically challenged by governance issues, corruption is not inevitable when leadership and policies align effectively.
Singapore’s approach combines strict legal enforcement with a culture of accountability, which has made it a magnet for international business and investment. This serves as a benchmark for neighboring countries aiming to improve their governance and public sector integrity.
Mainland Southeast Asia: Facing Persistent Challenges
In contrast, countries such as Myanmar (16/100, rank 168/180) and Cambodia (21/100, rank 158/180) face profound corruption challenges.
Bribery, lack of transparency, and limited rule of law hinder development, discourage foreign investment, and erode public trust. In these nations, systemic corruption continues to affect everyday life and government operations.
Thailand (34/100, rank 107/180), Laos (33/100, rank 114/180), and the Philippines (33/100, rank 114/180) occupy a middle ground. While corruption is less entrenched than in Myanmar or Cambodia, these countries still face hurdles in maintaining fair governance, especially in sectors like public procurement and local administration.
Gradual reforms are underway, but progress remains uneven, highlighting the complexity of combating corruption effectively.
Indonesia: Signs of Gradual Progress
Indonesia, with a CPI score of 37/100 and ranked 99th globally, shows a modest improvement over the past decade. The country continues to struggle with bureaucratic and political corruption, but institutions like the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and ongoing anti-corruption initiatives are starting to make a difference.
Indonesian authorities are increasingly focused on transparency and accountability, particularly in government contracts and public service delivery.
While there is still a long way to go, the CPI data indicates that consistent policy efforts and public oversight can gradually strengthen governance and reduce corrupt practices.
Brunei and Regional Takeaways
Brunei is notably absent from the CPI 2024 rankings, making direct comparisons difficult. Nevertheless, the broader Southeast Asian picture is clear: corruption remains a serious challenge across most nations in the region. Countries with stronger enforcement and transparent institutions, like Singapore, demonstrate that progress is achievable.
Corruption also has far-reaching consequences beyond the economy. Research shows that it can impede climate action, slowing efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
This adds urgency for Southeast Asian countries to strengthen institutions and tackle corruption not only for economic growth but also for broader societal and environmental benefits.
Moving Toward Cleaner Governance
The 2024 CPI rankings highlight the stark contrasts within Southeast Asia. While Singapore stands as a model for transparency and strong governance, other nations continue to grapple with corruption’s adverse effects on society and development.
Reducing corruption requires robust institutions, citizen engagement, and a sustained commitment to transparency.
Learning from successful examples, Southeast Asian countries can gradually enhance public sector integrity, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. By prioritizing clean governance, the region can work toward a fairer and more equitable future.
