Regional Insights: Asia Pacific

Countries: 19 | Average Country Score: 0.573 | Median Country Rank: 54

Asia Pacific is the most populous CGGI region, comprising 19 ranked countries with a total population of about 2.19 billion and an average GDP per capita of about US$ 17,400. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a new CGGI entrant for the region, debuts at 103^rd place.

Asia Pacific is the second best-performing region globally, trailing only Europe & North America. It accounts for five out of the top 20 highest ranked countries. This includes Singapore, the top ranked country in CGGI 2025, as well as Australia (12^th), New Zealand (13^th), South Korea (17^th), and Japan (19^th).

Regional performance trends: The average score for Asia Pacific countries improved slightly over 2021–2025. East Asia led the way—the average score improvement of countries from this sub‑region was the highest compared to all sub‑regions globally. This has been driven largely by significant progress from China and Mongolia, although Japan and South Korea also registered slight improvements over the same time period. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia improved moderately over the past five years, while Oceania recorded a small decline.

South Asia, on the other hand, recorded a significant decline—it continues to be the second weakest performing sub-region globally. Performance of South Asian countries has been weaker, in particular, in the Financial Stewardship, Global Influence & Reputation, Leadership & Foresight, and Helping People Rise pillars.

Pillar trends: Over the 2021–2025 period, the average score for the region’s countries improved in five pillars, with notable exceptions in Financial Stewardship and Global Influence & Reputation, which are also the two worst performing pillars globally. Strong Institutions was the region’s best‑performing pillar. Sub-regions Southeast Asia and East Asia saw general improvement in their scores across most pillars.

Data Trends

Cambodia is among the best performers globally in Satisfaction with Public Services. The country has been steadily pursuing a programme of decentralisation reforms, such as the “Improved Service Delivery for Citizens in Cambodia” initiative, which enhances local government services in waste and water management, health, and administrative services.¹

Indonesia has made significant rank gains in the Coordination indicator over 2024–2025. Since 2019, the government has adopted a system of Coordinating Ministries to enhance communication and streamline coordination across the public sector.²

Laos shows strength in a few areas such as the Long-Term Vision (21^st) and Adaptability (27^th) indicators. Laos has launched a Vision 2030 plan to achieve upper middle-income status by the coming decade.³

Endnotes

1. Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zumsammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. (2024). Improving public service delivery for citizens in Cambodia (ISD). https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/114244.html
2. Medina, A.F. (7 November 2024). The Red and White Cabinet: Strategic Continuity and Ambition in Prabowo’s Indonesia. ASEAN Briefing: Dezan Shira and Associates. https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/the-red-and-white-cabinet-strategic-continuity-and-ambition-in-prabowos-indonesia/
3. Japan International Cooperation Agency. (2024). Lao People’s Democratic Republic JICA Country Analysis Paper. https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/laos/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2024/09/24/jcap_la_en.pdf