According to the Human Development Report 2022, released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on March 14, 2024, Singapore has achieved the highest Human Development Index (HDI) score in Southeast Asia. The report ranks 193 countries based on their HDI, which evaluates health, education, income, and quality of life to provide a comparative measure of human development.
Southeast Asia's Human Development Rankings
Singapore tops the Southeast Asian region with an impressive HDI score of 0.949, placing 9th globally. This score qualifies Singapore for the “Very High Human Development” category, reflecting its exceptional performance in health, education, and income.
Following Singapore, the HDI rankings for other Southeast Asian countries are:
- Brunei Darussalam: With an HDI score of 0.823, Brunei Darussalam ranks 55th globally, also in the “Very High Human Development” category.
- Malaysia: Scoring 0.807, Malaysia is ranked 63rd and is classified as “Very High Human Development.”
- Thailand: With an HDI value of 0.803, Thailand is placed 66th globally, falling into the “Very High Human Development” category.
Other countries in the region include:
- Viet Nam: Achieves a score of 0.726, categorized under “High Human Development” and ranked 107th globally.
- Indonesia: With an HDI score of 0.713, Indonesia is ranked 112th and falls into the “High Human Development” category.
- Philippines: Scoring 0.710, the Philippines is ranked 113th globally, also classified under “High Human Development.”
Countries with “Medium Human Development” include:
- Laos: With an HDI score of 0.620, Laos ranks 139th.
- Myanmar: Scoring 0.608, Myanmar is ranked 144th globally.
- Cambodia: With an HDI value of 0.600, Cambodia ranks 148th.
Timor-Leste has the lowest HDI in the region, with a score of 0.566 and a global ranking of 155th, placing it in the “Medium Human Development” category.
Conclusion
The 2022 Human Development Report underscores the varied levels of human development across Southeast Asia. Singapore’s leading position reflects its advanced status in health, education, and economic well-being. Meanwhile, other countries in the region are making notable progress, with varying levels of development that highlight both achievements and areas for improvement.
This report provides valuable insights into the human development landscape in Southeast Asia, showcasing the ongoing advancements and challenges faced by each country.
