Nowhere to go but up

This year’s Global Residence Index (GRI) Safety Index which evaluates cities worldwide based on crime rates, police security, safety infrastructure and public perception has placed Singapore at the top and Manila at the bottom of the list of safest cities in Southeast Asia.

GRI is a part of the European boutique residency and citizenship by investment consultancy firm, Vancis Capital based in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in the US, Portugal, UAE and the Philippines (in Cebu).

Its updated list notes that Singapore, ranked the seventh safest city in the world and receiving over seven million international visitors in the first five months of 2025 alone, has maintained its status as among the safest cities globally.

Particularly cited were Singapore’s tough laws, highly efficient police force, and tech-driven public surveillance systems as among the major factors that make safety a fundamental part of daily life in the city-state.

Next, Jakarta in Indonesia had an index of 87 which, according to GRI, “reflects a gradual improvement in security and urban governance.”

This was followed by Bangkok, ranked 111, and Kuala Lumpur, 128, which continue to face challenges, including petty crimes, crowded markets and scams targeting travelers.

Phuket in Thailand (129) and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (132) are attracting more and more tourists each year but this does not mean they have licked their safety issues. As tourist holiday destinations, they attract large crowds, creating pressure on local infrastructure, while such issues as underfunded law enforcement and limitations on emergency services have yet to be addressed adequately.

The GRI safety index also says that while Phnom Penh (134), the Cambodian capital, has seen some growth in investments, its safety infrastructure has a lot of catching up to do. “Public transportation safety and nighttime visibility continue to be weak points,” the index notes.

Meanwhile, Hanoi (125) and Vientiane (120), in Vietnam and Laos, respectively, were found to present a different challenge. Both are quieter, less chaotic, and relatively calmer cities yet their lower safety rankings suggest that while crime may be less visible, limited urban planning and emergency readiness are systemic issues that should be addressed.

At the bottom rung lies Manila with such issues as traffic-related incidents, socioeconomic disparity and crime perception contributing heavily to its ranking, 152, equivalent to being Southeast Asia’s lowest-rated city in terms of safety.

GRI said that “while efforts are being made to improve police responsiveness and digital surveillance, public confidence remains low.”

This is quite distressing, particularly since Manila, being the Philippine capital, serves as the window through which the world can see how the country is being run and how it’s faring.

Such indices as the GRI Safety Index aren’t just for statisticians; they reflect conditions in cities and serve as indicators for the countries’ managers to use as bases for action.

Safe cities attract investors and tourists; they empower communities and encourage public engagement. Needless to say, conversely, perceived insecurity hinders economic potential and erodes public trust.

As the region grows in global influence, safety will be a major factor in the countries’ competitiveness in growing their tourism industry and drawing investors.

Ultimately, how our officials respond to global perceptions on urban safety and other issues that impact on tourism and investment growth in the country will determine whether we can catch up with our regional neighbors or face stagnation — and decline.