Anti-Corruption and Human Development in Singapore: Econometric Evidence (1995–2025)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of anti-corruption policies on human development in Singapore over the period 1995–2025. Employing a multiple linear regression model estimated through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) with EViews 13, the analysis examines the Human Development Index (HDI) as the dependent variable and five explanatory factors: the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), GDP per capita (GDP-PC), inflation rate (INFR), general government final consumption expenditure (GFCE), and public expenditure on education (PSE). The results reveal that the model explains approximately 86% of the variation in HDI, underscoring its robustness. GDP per capita and education expenditure exert the strongest positive effects, while CPI and GFCE also contribute positively. By contrast, inflation demonstrates a significant negative impact, highlighting the importance of price stability for sustaining human development. Diagnostic testing confirms the absence of severe multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, and problematic serial correlation, validating the model’s reliability. Overall, the findings emphasize that Singapore’s human development achievements are driven not only by economic growth but also by institutional integrity, anti-corruption measures, education investment, and macroeconomic stability. The study contributes to the literature by offering a long-term time-series analysis for an advanced economy and by incorporating the post-COVID recovery period, thereby demonstrating the decisive role of governance quality and inflation control in maintaining high levels of human development.