Corruption in the Asia Pacific: A Persistent Challenge
Berlin, February 10, 2026 – The Asia Pacific region remains deeply entrenched in the grip of corruption, as outlined in the recently published 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International. With a regional average score of 45 out of 100, the situation highlights the alarming reality that high levels of corruption have gone largely unaddressed for over a decade.
Growing Frustration Amid Weak Governance
The past year has seen a significant rise in public frustration, particularly among the youth, who have taken to the streets to demand greater accountability from their governments. In the Philippines, where climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, allegations surfaced regarding a fraudulent flood relief project that allegedly siphoned away substantial public funds. This ignited protests as citizens voiced their outrage at perceived governmental negligence and corruption.
Meanwhile, Indonesia was rocked by violent anti-government demonstrations, leading to many injuries and fatalities. Activism in Nepal reached a pivotal moment when widespread protests resulted in the collapse of the government, fueled by a social media ban and rampant corruption. Across these nations, a unifying sentiment emerged: leaders in power are perceived to be prioritizing personal interests over public welfare, failing to deliver adequate services, economic stability, and opportunities for their citizens.
Small Wins Amidst Stagnation
While the overall picture remains bleak, some countries in the region have registered noticeable improvements. Nations like the Maldives (39), Vietnam (41), and Timor Leste (44) have shown consistent progress since 2012 due to structural reforms aimed at enhancing oversight institutions. Vietnam, in particular, has been lauded for its management of minor corruption. However, despite these advancements, these countries continue to linger in the lower range of the CPI, indicating the substantial challenges that remain.
In stark contrast, fragile states such as Afghanistan (16), Myanmar (16), and North Korea (15) continue to languish at the bottom of the index. These nations suffer from a lack of democratic checks and balances, opaque political finance systems, and restrained civic space, rendering them particularly susceptible to corruption’s harmful effects.
A Call to Action
Ilham Mohamed, Asia Pacific Adviser at Transparency International, expressed concern over the deteriorating governance landscape in many countries within the region: “In many countries across Asia Pacific, good governance is being undermined by weak law enforcement, unaccountable leadership, and opacity in political funding. With young people demanding better, leaders must act now to curb corruption and strengthen democracy.”
Transparency International advocates for the adoption of a new UN resolution aimed at preventing corruption by enhancing transparency in political party funding and electoral campaigns. This resolution was adopted during the UN Convention Against Corruption conference in December, and the upcoming Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum in April represents a vital opportunity for election authorities to commit to its implementation.
Key Findings from the Corruption Perceptions Index
The CPI ranks 182 countries and territories based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Here are some noteworthy insights from the 2025 CPI specific to the Asia Pacific region:
- Since 2012, eight out of 32 countries have demonstrated significant improvements, notably Bhutan (71), Brunei (63), and Laos (34).
- Thailand (33) and Mongolia (31) exhibit troubling downward trends since 2012, marred by declines in rule of law and increasing restrictions on civic engagement.
- The highest scorers in the region—Singapore (84), New Zealand (81), and Australia (76)—rank among the top globally, reflecting robust governance structures and effective anti-corruption measures.
- Alarmingly, 21 out of 31 nations in the region score below the global average of 42, including major democracies like India (39), Bangladesh (24), and Indonesia (34).
Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, established in 1995, serves as a critical global benchmark for public sector corruption. It evaluates countries based on perceptions derived from various data sources, including the World Bank and private consulting firms, reflecting the views of experts and business professionals.
The methodology of the CPI is regularly assessed to ensure its robustness and reliability, making it a trusted resource for understanding global corruption trends.
For detailed insights, individual country scores, and comprehensive analyses, the full CPI 2025 report is available on Transparency International’s official website.