Understanding the Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar Study

The Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar, a flagship research initiative from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, has once again shed light on the dynamics of social cohesion across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Released as part of the 2025 edition—with preliminary findings highlighted in early 2026 discussions—this comprehensive study challenges conventional wisdom by revealing no clear link between social cohesion levels and governance models in Southeast Asia (SEA), diverging from patterns observed in Western research.

Social cohesion, defined here as the quality and strength of a society's social fabric, encompasses interpersonal bonds, institutional trust, and collective orientation toward the common good. Unlike many Western studies that associate higher social cohesion with democratic governance and greater civil liberties, this Singapore-led research emphasizes governance quality—such as integrity, low corruption, and accountability—as a more pivotal factor in the region.

Methodology Behind the Groundbreaking Research

Building on a 2022 pilot that surveyed thought leaders, the 2025 iteration expanded to a nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 respondents per country across all 10 ASEAN nations, totaling over 10,000 participants. Data collection occurred from January to May 2025 using a mix of online panels, computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI), and in-person surveys in local languages.

Respondents evaluated 60 statements on a 5-point Likert scale, grouped into three core domains: social relations (interpersonal and intergroup ties), connectedness (links to institutions), and focus on the common good (solidarity and civic engagement). Reliability was high, with Cronbach's alpha scores exceeding 0.87 for domains. The study incorporated quota sampling for demographics like age, gender, income, ethnicity, and urban-rural divides, ensuring alignment with national censuses—particularly in diverse Singapore.

Supplementary analysis drew from macro indicators like the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Global Peace Index, and Edelman Trust Barometer, alongside social listening and expert interviews. This rigorous, multi-method approach positions the Radar as a benchmark for regional social research, led by RSIS experts including Dr. Leong Chan-Hoong, Head of the Social Cohesion Research Programme.

Key Findings: Resilient Ties Amid Regional Diversity

Areas-wide, 72.4% of respondents indicated strong social cohesion (mean score 3.83/5), with social relations proving most robust at 75.3% (mean 3.89). Connectedness lagged at 70.7% (mean 3.79), reflecting global trends of declining institutional trust, while focus on the common good scored 71.3% (mean 3.81).

• Social relations thrived on acceptance of diversity, with high agreement on peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious lines.
• Connectedness revealed gaps in perceived fairness and policy influence, especially among youth and lower-income groups.
• Common good showed variability, with solidarity strong in some nations but civic participation uneven.

Higher GDP per capita and Human Development Index (HDI) correlated positively, yet a 'ceiling effect' emerged—beyond certain development thresholds, further gains yield diminishing cohesion returns. Notably, no pattern linked cohesion to regime types (e.g., democracies vs. monarchies), but strong ties existed with governance quality metrics like CPI.

Country Rankings and Comparative Insights

Vietnam topped the rankings with an overall mean of 4.15 (83.3% strong), followed closely by Brunei at 4.08 (82.3%). Singapore ranked sixth at 3.81 (73.1%), a shift from its 2022 top position among thought leaders. Cambodia and Myanmar trailed, scoring 3.58 and 3.52 respectively.

These rankings underscore SEA's heterogeneity, where economic challengers like Vietnam excel in institutional trust, potentially due to effective governance amid adversity.

Singapore's Strengths and Areas for Growth

Singapore shone in social relations (79.0%, mean 3.92), with over 87% agreeing on comfortable interactions across religious identities and peaceful diversity coexistence—bolstered by policies like the Ethnic Integration Policy and Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act. However, focus on the common good lagged at 67.9%, with only 48.9% valuing community work and 52.5% prioritizing aid to the poor. Just 51.3% felt their voices influenced policy.

Dr. Leong Chan-Hoong attributes this to Singapore's ultra-competitive culture, where individual progress may overshadow communal efforts, and strong state intervention potentially crowding out grassroots initiatives. Demographics mattered: higher-income and senior groups scored higher, signaling potential youth disengagement.Research roles in regional higher ed can help address such gaps through community-focused studies.

Divergence from Western Research Paradigms

Western frameworks, like those from Bertelsmann Stiftung, often link cohesion to democratic openness. In SEA, however, top performers like Vietnam (less democratic per Freedom House) outscore others, highlighting governance efficacy over form. This regional nuance calls for culturally attuned metrics, validating RSIS's customized approach.

For Singapore universities like NTU, this underscores the value of localized research in global dialogues. Access the full RSIS report here for deeper dives.

Implications for Higher Education in Singapore and SEA

As RSIS exemplifies NTU's research prowess, the study informs higher ed strategies. Universities can foster cohesion via diverse campuses, interfaith programs, and civic curricula—mirroring Singapore's national efforts. Amid youth cohesion dips, institutions might prioritize mental health support and policy engagement forums.

• Enhance student connectedness through advisory roles in university governance.
• Promote common good via service-learning and volunteering mandates.
• Leverage research like this for grants in social sciences.

Explore Singapore university jobs or faculty positions contributing to such vital areas.

Policy Recommendations and Stakeholder Perspectives

Dr. Leong advocates proactive community engagement, ethnic-religious-NGO partnerships, and policies tackling inequality and resilience. Learning from Vietnam's high trust despite challenges offers blueprints. Stakeholders—from policymakers to academics—emphasize mindset shifts in competitive societies.

In higher ed, this translates to curricula integrating cohesion metrics, preparing graduates for diverse workplaces. Academic career advice now includes such interdisciplinary skills.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Research

Plans for a 2028 iteration signal sustained commitment. Amid geopolitical tensions, the Radar positions Singapore higher ed as a regional thought leader. Challenges like inequality and digital polarization loom, but resilient social relations provide a foundation.

Institutions like RSIS continue unpacking multiculturalism and resilience. For professionals, opportunities abound in research jobs driving these insights.

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

Conclusion: Charting a Cohesive Regional Future

This NTU RSIS study reframes social cohesion in SEA, prioritizing quality governance and cultural contexts. Singapore's universities stand at the forefront, offering actionable paths forward. Stay informed and engaged—visit Rate My Professor, explore higher ed jobs, or seek career advice to contribute. University jobs and post a job await those shaping tomorrow's cohesive societies.