In 2023, Myanmar earned the unenviable distinction of being labeled the most corrupt country in Southeast Asia, as per the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The CPI, which evaluates 180 countries and territories worldwide based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, assigned Myanmar the highest corruption index in the region. This index scale ranges from 0 (indicating high corruption) to 100 (representing very clean governance).
Contrastingly, Singapore emerged as the beacon of transparency and integrity in Southeast Asia, securing the lowest corruption index in the region. This acknowledgment reinforces Singapore's reputation for having a clean and efficient public sector, setting the country apart as a model for anti-corruption efforts in the region.
The CPI data sheds light on the varying degrees of corruption perception within Southeast Asia, underscoring the importance of effective anti-corruption measures and transparency initiatives in fostering good governance. As countries grapple with these challenges, the index serves as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing corruption issues on both a regional and global scale.
