#HDI

A newly published survey ranking living standards across Asia confirms Singapore’s position as the region’s leader, but underscores wide disparities in prosperity, well-being, and quality of life from East Asia to South Asia. The findings, based on composite indices such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and recent analyses from international organizations, highlight both the impressive progress made by some Asian nations and the pressing challenges still faced by others.

Japan has secured the top spot for the highest living standards in Asia based on the most recent international rankings, surpassing other regional powerhouses such as Singapore and South Korea, according to a 2024 report by U.S. News & World Report. The findings, which have garnered attention across Southeast Asia—including in Thailand—draw on an extensive range of metrics to measure quality of life, offering a timely snapshot of regional well-being at a moment of rapid economic and social change (VnExpress).