Singapore tops list of nations in achieving UN health goals
Singapore tops the list of 188 nations based on progress made in meeting health-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) this year and the only Asian country at the top 10.
Singapore tops list of nations in achieving UN health goals. (Photo: Getty Images)
Singapore (VNA) – Singapore tops the list of 188 nations based on progress made inmeeting health-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) thisyear and the only Asian country at the top 10.
More than 2,500collaborators from 135 countries and territories have taken part in a projectmeasuring the UN SDG indicators carried out by the US-based University ofWashington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The report offindings was released on September 13.
The report measures37 out of 50 health-related targets proposed by the United Nations that includeinfant mortality, vaccination, rates of various diseases (tuberculosis, HIV,malaria and more), smoking, child abuse, violence and universal healthcoverage.
It looks on progressthe countries made in fulfilling the health-related targets from 1990 to 2016and capacity to achieve the targets by 2030.
Singapore rankedfirst with a score of 86.8 on the scale of zero to 100, closely followed byIceland (86) and Sweden (85.6).
Asian nations Japanand the Republic of Korea were placed at 21 and 28.
Singapore hasrecently outranked Hong Kong (China) to come third in the list of the nicestcity to live in Asia.-VNA
Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong announced that the government would double its spending on pre-school education in the next five years to continue enhancing the country’s education quality.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) on August 24 jointly unveiled a unified branch, “Passion Made Possible”, to market Singapore internationally for both tourism and business purposes.
Singapore is always an important partner of Vietnam during its development process, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Nguyen Tien Minh at a meeting on August 29 to mark Vietnam’s 72nd National Day (September 2).
Singapore’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI), an early indicator of manufacturing activity, posted a reading of 51.5 points in August, the highest figure since November 2014, reported the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM).
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Singapore tops list of nations in achieving UN health goals. (Photo: Getty Images) 
