sphere Posted February 11 Report Share Posted February 11 Singapore has been in the top 10 position for the 'least corrupt country' globally - for at least a decade (last few years, I think we were top 5). I wonder if we would get that top place within the next few years... haha. [since our passport was recently ranked most 'powerful' offering visa-free access to 195 destinations (here)] Singapore climbs 2 places to be ranked 3rd least corrupt country, top in Asia Pacific This is the first time since 2010 that Singapore has emerged top in Asia Pacific on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. SINGAPORE: Singapore was ranked the world's third least corrupt country in 2024, climbing two spots from the previous year, according to anti-corruption body Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. This marks the first time since 2010 that Singapore has topped the Asia-Pacific region in the index, overtaking New Zealand, which came in fourth globally. Singapore also remains the only Asian country to have been placed in the top 10 since the index was first published in 1995. The country last held third place in 2018 and 2020, ranked fourth in 2019 and 2021, and placed fifth in 2022 and 2023. The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Countries are scored on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The 2024 index draws upon 13 expert assessments and business surveys. Singapore scored 84 points last year, an improvement of one point from 2023 and 2022. Only four other countries in the top 10 improved in the ranking, while five fell. "Singapore’s reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world is hard-earned. Our people continue to hold a strong stance against corruption, and will come forward to report wrongdoings to the authorities," the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a press release on Tuesday (Feb 11). "Domestically, the number of public sector corruption cases remains consistently low," it added. CPIB said that out of 16 economies, Singapore ranked first in the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy's 2024 report on corruption in Asia, the US and Australia – a position it has held for the last 30 years. Singapore also ranked third globally and first in Asia for absence of corruption in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2024. [source: here] Quote Happy - is what we should be, always. Notice: I DO NOT use the Chat Function in this Forum - this has always been written in my profile (and I don't read it too). {it is unfortunate that this new Chat Function does not allow users to turn/switch off in mobile phone} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve5380 Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 Ohhh... The United States is not among the top ten? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Why? Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 (edited) 7 hours ago, Steve5380 said: Ohhh... The United States is not among the top ten? In my world view, if there is no corruption, it has not yet been discovered until decades or even centuries later, or it might be equaled by revealing more of your opponents' problem to trivalise the seriousness of your own. Legalization can also be used to hide it, or it can be dismissed as an honest error or reframed as something that was done above board, without evidence, in the name of protecting your interests and based on your trust alone. To make matters worse, once you try to expose those corruptions and run the risk of being sued for defamation and falsehood, but they are gracious enough to simply ask you to apologize publicly and retract your statement. Then, like a saint, they ascended to the throne, pristine and sound. Make sense? Don't worry, your new president is trying to clean up some loose end. Edited February 12 by Why? passinthenight 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singalion Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 19 hours ago, sphere said: Singapore has been in the top 10 position for the 'least corrupt country' globally - for at least a decade (last few years, I think we were top 5). I wonder if we would get that top place within the next few years... haha. [since our passport was recently ranked most 'powerful' offering visa-free access to 195 destinations (here)] Singapore climbs 2 places to be ranked 3rd least corrupt country, top in Asia Pacific This is the first time since 2010 that Singapore has emerged top in Asia Pacific on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. SINGAPORE: Singapore was ranked the world's third least corrupt country in 2024, climbing two spots from the previous year, according to anti-corruption body Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. This marks the first time since 2010 that Singapore has topped the Asia-Pacific region in the index, overtaking New Zealand, which came in fourth globally. Singapore also remains the only Asian country to have been placed in the top 10 since the index was first published in 1995. The country last held third place in 2018 and 2020, ranked fourth in 2019 and 2021, and placed fifth in 2022 and 2023. The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Countries are scored on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The 2024 index draws upon 13 expert assessments and business surveys. Singapore scored 84 points last year, an improvement of one point from 2023 and 2022. Only four other countries in the top 10 improved in the ranking, while five fell. "Singapore’s reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world is hard-earned. Our people continue to hold a strong stance against corruption, and will come forward to report wrongdoings to the authorities," the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said in a press release on Tuesday (Feb 11). "Domestically, the number of public sector corruption cases remains consistently low," it added. CPIB said that out of 16 economies, Singapore ranked first in the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy's 2024 report on corruption in Asia, the US and Australia – a position it has held for the last 30 years. Singapore also ranked third globally and first in Asia for absence of corruption in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2024. [source: here] Can only assume the corruption cases of 2024 are not with the Organisation or the data reviewed is on the basis of 2023 data and facts. Because looking at that F1 thing with that Minister and some of the Council cases, police officers case of 90k, MFA officer issue recently, there was also misuse of CDA monies at another ministry within 2024. Maybe New Zealand and Luxembourg had an increase of cases, resulting that Singapore didn't look that bad compared. haha Naturally with all these combined events, not sure Singapore will not crash down in the coming year... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sphere Posted February 12 Author Report Share Posted February 12 4 hours ago, singalion said: Can only assume the corruption cases of 2024 are not with the Organisation or the data reviewed is on the basis of 2023 data and facts. Because looking at that F1 thing with that Minister and some of the Council cases, police officers case of 90k, MFA officer issue recently, there was also misuse of CDA monies at another ministry within 2024. ..... I would have thought you read widely to know about the above ☝️ F1 corruption was included... (see the red highlighted text below) [Straits Times had a longer report on the same piece of news] Singapore ranked least corrupt country in Asia-Pacific, third in world: Global anti-graft watchdog SINGAPORE – For the first time in 14 years, Singapore emerged as the least corrupt country in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024. This is according to global anti-graft watchdog Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report that was released on Feb 11. This is the first time since 2010 that the Republic has won the accolade, beating out New Zealand, which had held that position for 14 years. Transparency International’s report also ranked Singapore the third-least corrupt nation in the world, which is the Republic’s highest position since 2020. Singapore scored 84 out of a possible 100 on a scale with zero for highly corrupt and 100 for very clean, moving up two spots from the fifth place it achieved in 2023. The highest score it recorded was 87 in 2012, when the metric was revamped by Transparency International. According to the anti-graft watchdog’s latest report, the CPI ranked 180 countries and territories according to the levels of public-sector corruption perceived by experts and business people. Denmark, with a score of 90, topped the overall 2024 index for the seventh consecutive year. The European country’s score was followed by Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand (83) and Luxembourg (81). According to the report, the CPI highlighted the stark contrast between nations with strong, independent institutions and free, fair elections, and those with repressive authoritarian regimes. For instance, full democracies have a CPI average of 73, while flawed democracies average 47, and non-democratic regimes just 33. Ms Urantsetseg Ulziikhuu, Asian regional coordinator at Transparency International, told The Straits Times that a high CPI score does not mean that corruption does not exist in a country, rather that there are strong mechanisms in place to prevent and detect it. When asked how the graft probe of former transport minister S. Iswaran affected Singapore’s standing on the CPI, Ms Urantsetseg said: “The case of the transport minister shows how at least his actions brought consequences, which is not a given in many countries.” On Oct 3, 2024, Iswaran was handed a 12-month jail term in a case that saw, for the first time, a former Cabinet minister being sentenced. He was placed on the Home Detention Scheme on Feb 7 after serving four months of his jail term. Ms Urantsetseg said: “Singapore is at the top of the region due to the fact that the former champions (New Zealand and Australia) have been sliding down the ranking for the past couple of years. “Singapore’s score, on the other hand, has stayed stable in the last few years. This says more about the backsliding in those countries than to changes in Singapore.” Ms Urantsetseg added that one of the challenges Singapore now faces is the influx of illicit financial flows and how this could “end up becoming an issue of public integrity in the future”. “Nations hosting major financial centres, such as Singapore, are often vulnerable to corrupt financial flows. While their strong institutions give the appearance of integrity, their financial sectors and regulatory frameworks often provide opportunities to exploit loopholes, ultimately undermining global anti-corruption efforts,” she said. In a press statement also issued on Feb 11, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said Singapore’s reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world is hard-earned. Said its spokesman: “Our people continue to hold a strong stance against corruption and will come forward to report wrongdoings to the authorities. CPIB studies all reports and information that may disclose a corruption offence seriously, whether the informant is known or anonymous.” Mr Wilson Ang, head of Asia regulatory compliance and investigations practice at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, said Singapore’s ranking is a noteworthy achievement. He said it is significant that during a time of geopolitical tensions and upheaval, Singapore has remained steadfast in its efforts to foster a culture of integrity and crack down on corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes. He added: “Whilst prominent enforcement cases have given rise to questions about illicit conduct taking place in Singapore, the swift and decisive action taken by the Singapore Government sent a clear signal that there is no one above the law and that it would not shy away from enforcing its stringent laws.” According to the CPI, two in three jurisdictions scored below 50 in 2024, with Transparency International noting that this had huge and potentially devastating implications for global climate action. It said: “Corruption weakens governance structures, undermines law enforcement and diverts critical climate finance intended to reduce emissions and build resilience. “In nations where corruption is pervasive, transparency in environmental decision-making is often compromised, leading to unfair outcomes and the destruction of natural resources.” In May 2024, a risk assessment report by the Singapore authorities linking environmental crimes and money laundering was published, showing how dirty money linked to the illegal wildlife trade can be laundered through Singapore. That report noted that non-governmental organisations identified Singapore to be a transit country for environmental crimes and dirty money linked to these, given its geographical location and status as a financial centre. For example, in 2020, a bank in Singapore found that one of its customers had paid $130,000 to a South African supplier for 11 cheetahs. Though the animals were transported directly from the source country to the destination country and never transited through Singapore, the money passed through the customer’s bank account here. The bank filed a suspicious transaction report and terminated the customer relationship. In the CPI report, Transparency International said powerful corporate interests often shape or block climate policies to favour short-term profits over long-term environmental sustainability. “This leads to watered-down regulations, delays in the transition to renewable energy and insufficient action to meet international climate commitments,” said Transparency International. It added that without robust national anti-corruption measures, the effectiveness of global climate agreements remains at risk, further jeopardising efforts to combat the climate crisis. [soure: here] Quote Happy - is what we should be, always. Notice: I DO NOT use the Chat Function in this Forum - this has always been written in my profile (and I don't read it too). {it is unfortunate that this new Chat Function does not allow users to turn/switch off in mobile phone} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiusulnar Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 Hope Singapore will continue to strive towards eradication of corruption! Mister M 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singalion Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 9 hours ago, sphere said: I would have thought you read widely to know about the above ☝️ F1 corruption was included... (see the red highlighted text below) [Straits Times had a longer report on the same piece of news] Singapore ranked least corrupt country in Asia-Pacific, third in world: Global anti-graft watchdog SINGAPORE – For the first time in 14 years, Singapore emerged as the least corrupt country in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024. This is according to global anti-graft watchdog Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report that was released on Feb 11. This is the first time since 2010 that the Republic has won the accolade, beating out New Zealand, which had held that position for 14 years. Transparency International’s report also ranked Singapore the third-least corrupt nation in the world, which is the Republic’s highest position since 2020. Singapore scored 84 out of a possible 100 on a scale with zero for highly corrupt and 100 for very clean, moving up two spots from the fifth place it achieved in 2023. The highest score it recorded was 87 in 2012, when the metric was revamped by Transparency International. According to the anti-graft watchdog’s latest report, the CPI ranked 180 countries and territories according to the levels of public-sector corruption perceived by experts and business people. Denmark, with a score of 90, topped the overall 2024 index for the seventh consecutive year. The European country’s score was followed by Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand (83) and Luxembourg (81). According to the report, the CPI highlighted the stark contrast between nations with strong, independent institutions and free, fair elections, and those with repressive authoritarian regimes. For instance, full democracies have a CPI average of 73, while flawed democracies average 47, and non-democratic regimes just 33. Ms Urantsetseg Ulziikhuu, Asian regional coordinator at Transparency International, told The Straits Times that a high CPI score does not mean that corruption does not exist in a country, rather that there are strong mechanisms in place to prevent and detect it. When asked how the graft probe of former transport minister S. Iswaran affected Singapore’s standing on the CPI, Ms Urantsetseg said: “The case of the transport minister shows how at least his actions brought consequences, which is not a given in many countries.” On Oct 3, 2024, Iswaran was handed a 12-month jail term in a case that saw, for the first time, a former Cabinet minister being sentenced. He was placed on the Home Detention Scheme on Feb 7 after serving four months of his jail term. Ms Urantsetseg said: “Singapore is at the top of the region due to the fact that the former champions (New Zealand and Australia) have been sliding down the ranking for the past couple of years. “Singapore’s score, on the other hand, has stayed stable in the last few years. This says more about the backsliding in those countries than to changes in Singapore.” Ms Urantsetseg added that one of the challenges Singapore now faces is the influx of illicit financial flows and how this could “end up becoming an issue of public integrity in the future”. “Nations hosting major financial centres, such as Singapore, are often vulnerable to corrupt financial flows. While their strong institutions give the appearance of integrity, their financial sectors and regulatory frameworks often provide opportunities to exploit loopholes, ultimately undermining global anti-corruption efforts,” she said. In a press statement also issued on Feb 11, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said Singapore’s reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world is hard-earned. Said its spokesman: “Our people continue to hold a strong stance against corruption and will come forward to report wrongdoings to the authorities. CPIB studies all reports and information that may disclose a corruption offence seriously, whether the informant is known or anonymous.” Mr Wilson Ang, head of Asia regulatory compliance and investigations practice at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, said Singapore’s ranking is a noteworthy achievement. He said it is significant that during a time of geopolitical tensions and upheaval, Singapore has remained steadfast in its efforts to foster a culture of integrity and crack down on corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes. He added: “Whilst prominent enforcement cases have given rise to questions about illicit conduct taking place in Singapore, the swift and decisive action taken by the Singapore Government sent a clear signal that there is no one above the law and that it would not shy away from enforcing its stringent laws.” According to the CPI, two in three jurisdictions scored below 50 in 2024, with Transparency International noting that this had huge and potentially devastating implications for global climate action. It said: “Corruption weakens governance structures, undermines law enforcement and diverts critical climate finance intended to reduce emissions and build resilience. “In nations where corruption is pervasive, transparency in environmental decision-making is often compromised, leading to unfair outcomes and the destruction of natural resources.” In May 2024, a risk assessment report by the Singapore authorities linking environmental crimes and money laundering was published, showing how dirty money linked to the illegal wildlife trade can be laundered through Singapore. That report noted that non-governmental organisations identified Singapore to be a transit country for environmental crimes and dirty money linked to these, given its geographical location and status as a financial centre. For example, in 2020, a bank in Singapore found that one of its customers had paid $130,000 to a South African supplier for 11 cheetahs. Though the animals were transported directly from the source country to the destination country and never transited through Singapore, the money passed through the customer’s bank account here. The bank filed a suspicious transaction report and terminated the customer relationship. In the CPI report, Transparency International said powerful corporate interests often shape or block climate policies to favour short-term profits over long-term environmental sustainability. “This leads to watered-down regulations, delays in the transition to renewable energy and insufficient action to meet international climate commitments,” said Transparency International. It added that without robust national anti-corruption measures, the effectiveness of global climate agreements remains at risk, further jeopardising efforts to combat the climate crisis. [soure: here] Ok noted. The points were not visible at your first post. Which just means the other countries behind Singapore had even more corruption issues in the relevant year! But to be honest, there were more incidents of corruption past year (also on corporate side) in Singapore than previously. That is why it was a bit surprising to me. Actually, the news is nothing new as Singapore was always the top spot in Asia, the organisation previously just lumped New Zealand into the Asia category. The closest country to Singapore in Asia by ranking is Bhutan at Rank 18, Japan at 20, Malaysia is at rank 57. Thailand is quite low (107) and Indonesia (99) ranks better than Thailand... Vietnam at 88. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sphere Posted February 13 Author Report Share Posted February 13 1 hour ago, singalion said: Ok noted. The points were not visible at your first post. ..... The first post was news report from CNA, it so happened their report did not cover all aspects of it. In any case, you should have avoided writing any assumption(s), as others might take it as you said it (misleading)... Quote Happy - is what we should be, always. Notice: I DO NOT use the Chat Function in this Forum - this has always been written in my profile (and I don't read it too). {it is unfortunate that this new Chat Function does not allow users to turn/switch off in mobile phone} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatguy642 Posted February 15 Report Share Posted February 15 Unless Singapore truly allows and encourages free speech in press like they do it in Finland (no ridiculous defamation lawsuits, etc.) I doubt it. I still feel like there are definitely secrets in the government that we aren’t privy to for good reason. passinthenight 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiusulnar Posted February 17 Report Share Posted February 17 On 2/15/2025 at 10:15 PM, Thatguy642 said: no ridiculous defamation lawsuits I thought if something is true then you can say it without consequences. Only if false or unproven rumour? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
passinthenight Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 I think it means that Singapore is not as rotten... as some other rotten countries, who are really really rotten. As I get older, the more cynical I become about politicians and politics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgbidaddy Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 Wonder how they benchmark when we are hearing so much of wrongdoing and corruption on the news here. Most recently one is the Zoo one. Confirm still got a lot of ongoing corruption out there. Zoo one spans across multiple years, can you imagine that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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