Singapore ranked world’s best civil service in inaugural Oxford University study

Singapore has been named the top-performing civil service globally in the inaugural Blavatnik Index of Public Administration, released by Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

The index ranked the public administrations of 120 countries, evaluating their performance across four key domains: Strategy and Leadership, Public Policy, National Delivery, and People and Processes.

The study highlighted Singapore’s exceptional performance in National Delivery and Public Policy, ranking first in both domains.

It also excelled in specific areas such as border services, where it claimed the top spot globally, and tax administration, where it ranked second. According to Oxford University, these factors helped Singapore achieve the highest overall score.

Key Metrics and Framework

The Blavatnik Index uses 82 metrics derived from 17 reputable sources, including the World Bank’s Doing Business report and Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer.

Countries are evaluated on a standardised scale of 0.00 to 1.00, allowing for comparative analysis. The study excludes broader governance aspects, such as judiciary or media freedom, and policy outcomes, such as economic growth or health statistics​.

Head of Civil Service Leo Yip expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “We in the Singapore civil service have learned so much from the best practices of counterparts and public services around the world,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of the Index as a tool for peer learning and reform.

Global Context and Comparisons

Norway ranked second in the Index, while Canada and Denmark tied for third. Finland placed fifth, and the United Kingdom and New Zealand shared the sixth spot.

Each country’s performance reflected diverse strengths across the four domains. Denmark ranked highest in Strategy and Leadership, while Norway excelled in People and Processes.

These results highlight the varying strengths of global public administrations and opportunities for peer learning​.

Professor Ngaire Woods, dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, described the findings as a “clarion call” for public service reform. “We see real value in the Index not only in what the results show but also the conversations, learning, and improvement that it can prompt,” she stated.

Singapore’s Strengths in Context

Singapore’s top ranking reflects its advanced governance strategies. The country’s emphasis on innovation, as seen in its second-place ranking in the innovation theme, and operational excellence, such as its leadership in border services, set it apart. These achievements underscore the strength of its public administration and its focus on effective national delivery​.

Study Implications and Limitations

The Index highlights the correlation between the quality of public administration and societal outcomes. Initial analysis suggests that better public administrations contribute to improved human capital and GDP per capita, even after accounting for economic development levels.

However, the study emphasises its role as a comparative tool rather than a definitive measure, encouraging countries to use its insights alongside domestic data for reform​.

By spotlighting top-performing nations, the Blavatnik Index fosters dialogue and peer learning, providing a benchmark for governments worldwide.

For Singapore, this recognition reinforces its reputation as a global leader in administrative excellence, offering valuable lessons for other nations aiming to strengthen their public services.