Why Singapore Is the Easiest Place to Do Business in Southeast Asia: The Advantage of Low Corruption

Why Singapore Is the Easiest Place to Do Business in Southeast Asia: The Advantage of Low Corruption

Many Japanese companies based in Singapore say the same thing: “Business here is transparent, straightforward, and pleasant.”

When considering expansion into Southeast Asia, one of the first concerns for many Japanese companies is the risk of corruption and bribery. Business permits, customs clearance, government procedures—companies may wonder whether they will be expected to offer something unofficial to a local official. For many years, this has been seen as a common concern when doing business in Southeast Asia.

In Singapore, however, that assumption generally does not apply.

Singapore’s Transparency, as Shown by the Numbers

Transparency International, an international organization that monitors corruption, publishes its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) every year. In the 2023 index, Singapore ranked fifth in the world, with a score of 83 out of 100.腐敗認識指数（CPI）。2023年版でシンガポールは世界5位（100点満点中83点）にランクインしています。

The difference becomes clear when Singapore is compared with other Southeast Asian countries.

Source: Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2023

These figures represent more than just a positive image. They reflect the high level of predictability, transparency, and fairness found in Singapore’s business environment.予測可能性・透明性・公平性の高さを表しています。

Differences You Notice in Day-to-Day Business

When working with Japanese companies in Singapore, we regularly experience this transparency in practical ways.

Photography permits are handled smoothly Applications for permission to photograph in shopping malls and public spaces are processed properly when the official procedures are followed. Informal back channels or special favors are generally not part of the process.
ショッピングモールや公共スペースでの撮影許可申請は、正規の手続きをすれば適切に処理されます。「担当者に一言お願いする」という裏口は基本的に存在しません。

Projects proceed according to the quotation Unexpected additional charges and unexplained fees are relatively uncommon. There is a strong business culture of honoring the terms stated in contracts.
「後から追加費用が発生する」「不明な費用が請求される」といったことが非常に少ない。契約書に書かれた内容が守られる文化があります。

Government procedures are clear Visa applications, company registration, and regulatory filings are supported by well-developed online government services, including GoBusiness. It is rarely necessary to rely on personal connections to get things done.
ビザ申請、法人設立、各種届出。シンガポールのオンライン行政サービス（GoBusiness等）は整備されており、「誰かに口を利いてもらわないといけない」という場面がほぼありません。

Why Is Singapore So Free from Corruption?

This did not happen by chance. Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, made a rigorous anti-corruption policy one of the foundations of the nation.

• The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has strong powers to investigate corruption. Public-sector salaries are set at competitive levels to reduce the incentive to accept bribes. Corruption offenses carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Politicians and senior public officials are also subject to investigation. Over more than 50 years, this system has helped establish a strong culture of integrity throughout Singaporean society.
• 公務員の給与を民間並みに高く設定し、賄賂を受け取るインセンティブを下げる
• 摘発された場合の罰則が非常に厳しい（懲役・高額罰金）
• 政治家・高官も例外なく調査対象になる

この仕組みが50年以上かけて「クリーンな文化」として社会に根付いています。

Ease of Doing Business Is One of Singapore’s Greatest Assets

Success in Southeast Asian business depends not only on speed and cost, but also on having an environment in which companies can operate with confidence. Singapore is certainly not a low-cost country. However, it stands out in Southeast Asia for its transparency, predictability, and reliability. This is one of the main reasons many Japanese companies choose Singapore as their regional headquarters.

シンガポールは決してコストが安い国ではありません。しかし、透明性・予測可能性・信頼性という面では東南アジアで群を抜いており、それが多くの日系企業がシンガポールを地域統括拠点に選ぶ最大の理由のひとつになっています。

「海外進出したいけれど、不正や汚職が心配」という方には、シンガポールはまず最初に検討すべき国と言えるでしょう。