Public trust in politicians highest in Singapore

Take a bow, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Singapore ranks first in the world in public trust in politicians, transparency of government policy making, efficiency of the legal framework in settling disputes, and the quality of math and science education. That’s according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2012-13 by the World Economic Forum.

Switzerland  is first and Singapore second again in the global competitiveness rankings this year, same as last year. Finland is third, Sweden fourth, the Netherlands fifth, Germany sixth, the United States seventh, the United Kingdom eighth, Hong Kong ninth and Japan 10^th. Qatar is 11^th, Denmark 12^th, Taiwan 13^th, Canada 14^th, Norway 15^th, Austria 16^th, Belgium 17^th, Saudi Arabia 18^th, South Korea 19^th, Australia 20^th, France 21^st, Luxembourg 22^nd, New Zealand 23^rd, the United Arab Emirates 24^th and Malaysia 25^th. China is 29^th and India 59^th.

The report says:

Singapore retains its place at 2nd position as a result of an outstanding performance across the entire Index. The country features in the top 3 in seven of the 12 categories of the Index and appears in the top 10 of three others. Its public and private institutions are rated as the best in the world for the fifth year in a row. It also ranks 1st for the efficiency of its goods and labor markets, and places 2nd in terms of financial market development. Singapore also has world-class infrastructure (2nd), with excellent roads, ports, and air transport facilities. In addition, the country’s competitiveness is reinforced by a strong focus on education, which has translated into a steady improvement in the higher education and training pillar (2nd) in recent years, thus providing individuals with the skills needed for a rapidly changing global economy.

Singapore ranks third in the quality of the education system, 12^th in the quality of scientific institutions and 20^th in the capacity of innovations.

Singapore is second in the quality of overall infrastructure and third in the quality of roads.

Singapore is second in labour-employer relations and first in mobile broadband subscriptions.

Inflation is seen as the most problematic factor for doing business.