ASEANEWS HEADLINE | SECURITY ECONOMY | Singapore tops Asia in global peace ranking

The Institute for Economics and Peace, which compiled the Global Peace Index, said Singapore ranked especially high in terms of safety and security. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES

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SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – Singapore has retained its position as Asia’s most peaceful nation and ranks sixth globally in the latest Global Peace Index, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

The city-state scored highly for safety and security, outpacing other Asian nations such as Japan (12th) and Malaysia (13th).

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Strict laws, low crime rates and strong public order were cited as key factors behind Singapore’s standing. Local residents also credited well-lit streets, extensive security cameras and effective law enforcement in fostering a safe environment.

“Crime rates are very low because laws are clear and people respect them. If you break the law, there is a price to pay,” said Singaporean engineer Ricky Ignatius Morier, noting that even minor offences are swiftly dealt with.

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NUS associate professor Ed Araral added that safety in Singapore allows his daughter to travel alone past midnight without concern – a level of confidence he said is not common in other cities in the region.

Globally, Iceland topped the index for the 17th consecutive year, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland. The report noted that while global conflicts have risen to their highest levels since World War II, several nations continue to prioritise peace and security.

In the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand was ranked as the most peaceful nation, while Myanmar recorded the steepest decline due to ongoing civil conflict. Indonesia, meanwhile, achieved the largest improvement, with progress in countering terrorism and a reduction in violence outside the West Papua region.

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The IEP report also highlighted that the Asia-Pacific remains the world’s second most peaceful region, despite pockets of instability.

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