Singapore retains top spot as Asia’s most peaceful nation

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which compiles the index, noted that Singapore ranked particularly high in terms of safety and security.

The Institute for Economics and Peace, which compiled the Global Peace Index, says Singapore ranks especially high in terms of safety and security. (Photo: Straitstimes)
The Institute for Economics and Peace, which compiled the Global Peace Index, says Singapore ranks especially high in terms of safety and security. (Photo: Straitstimes)

Singapore (VNA) – Despite conflicts devastating many parts of the world, tightening borders and trade disputes, Singapore has retained its top spot as the most peaceful country in Asia and ranked sixth globally, according to the latest Global Peace Index.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which compiles the index, noted that Singapore ranked particularly high in terms of safety and security.

Strict laws, low crime rates and a safe environment have fostered and reinforced a strong sense of public order in the island state. Singapore also topped the rankings for indicators measuring the absence of internal conflict, reflecting its political and social stability.

Among other Asian nations, Japan ranked 12th and Malaysia 13th.

The war-torn nations like Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic of Congo, and Syria are at the bottom and considered “least peaceful”.

The report highlighted that the number of state-based conflicts has reached its highest level since World War II, with three new breaking out in 2025 alone.

Against this backdrop of mounting instability, many states have chosen to respond with increased militarisation.

Yet, despite those grim statistics, some nations continue to prioritise policies of peace, stability and cooperation, standing out as bright spots in efforts to uphold a sustainable international order./.

VNA

See more

Illustrative Image (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thailand extracts bio-calcium from fish waste

Researchers at Rajamangala University of Technology, Thanyaburi (Thailand) developed a method to extract calcium from discarded parts of blackchin tilapia, including heads, bones, scales and tails - materials typically treated as waste and a source of pollution.

Philippines receives first Russian oil shipment in five years

Philippines receives first Russian oil shipment in five years

On March 24, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency through an executive order, allowing the government to fast-track fuel procurement, make advance payments for fuel contracts, and ensure the availability of fuel and other essential goods amid rising prices.

Philippines declares energy emergency over Middle East tension (Photo: BBC)

Philippines declares energy emergency

The Philippine Government on March 24 announced an "imminent danger of a critically low energy supply" as tensions in the Middle East threaten fuel supplies and the stability of the country’s power system.

Delegates at the event (Photo: cambodia.un.org)

Cambodia accelerates access to climate-resilient water services

Funded by the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, the Water Infrastructure & Smart Energy Joint Programme (WISE JP) introduces a pioneering financial model that combines commercial and low-interest capital - a revolving blended‑finance facility - dedicated to ensuring climate‑smart water systems.

Officials inspect the 10-wheel tanker found smuggling fuel to Myanmar in Mae Sot border district on Sunday. (Photo:bangkokpost.com)

Thailand seizes 20,000 litres of diesel bound for Myanmar

Authorities of Thailand's Tak province have ordered intensified patrols and stricter inspections to prevent fuel stockpiling and illegal cross-border exports. They also called on local residents to report any suspicious signs related to fuel hoarding or smuggling.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Wildfires surge to 96 hotspots in Thailand

According to the provincial forest fire and haze prevention centre, satellite data from the Suomi NPP VIIRS system recorded the hotspots at 02:13. The fires were spread across multiple districts though firefighting teams have been working around the clock to contain the blazes.

In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, demand for pet-related services is surging. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese pet market attractive to RoK businesses

RoK pet food companies are increasingly targeting Vietnam as a key growth market, leveraging the country’s rapidly developing pet economy and rising demand for premium pet care products in Southeast Asia.

Residents refuel at a petrol station in Stung Treng province, north-eastern Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)

Cambodia introduces energy-saving measures amid Middle East conflict

Despite these challenges, the government noted that Cambodia’s fuel and electricity supply remains stable, supporting economic activities and public service delivery, based on assessments conducted with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), and fuel import companies.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in a press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta on March 19. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia pushes sustainable energy transition

Diesel plants remain widely used but should gradually be replaced by renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, due to their economic and environmental advantages, said an Indonesian minister.