What Worries the World & Singaporeans - IPSOS reference

Inflation has emerged as the top global concern in April 2025, with Singapore leading the pack at 56%, according to Ipsos’ “What Worries the World” report.

But inflation isn’t the only issue keeping people awake. There are hosts of pressing concerns, such as crime, poverty, corruption, and unemployment, plaguing the globe.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s troubling the world and how different countries stack up.

Global Top 5 Worries (April 2025)

Here’s the information in table form:

Global Sentiment Snapshot

Country Highlights

• Most Negative Economic Mood:
  • South Korea: Only 6% say the economy is “good”; 94% say it’s “bad” (lowest ever recorded)
  • Japan: 10% good, 90% bad
  • France: 17% good, 83% bad

• Most Positive Economic Mood:
  • Malaysia: 70% say the economy is “good” (+25 points YoY, biggest jump globally)
  • India: 57%
  • Singapore: 43%

Notable Trends by Issue:

Here’s the quick overview:

1. Inflation: The Global Pain Point

• Singapore leads globally at 56%, followed closely by Türkiye and Canada
• Argentina shows improvement but remains historically high

2. Crime & Violence: Surging Concerns

• Peru hits a record 75%, matching its October 2016 high
• Sweden and Mexico also see significant concern, reflecting broader regional challenges

3. Poverty & Social Inequality: Mixed Signals

• Hungary sees a notable increase (+4 points to 40%)
• Indonesia reports a sharp decline (-10 points to 41%), possibly due to economic reforms or shifting priorities

4. Corruption: Indonesia’s Alarming Spike

• Indonesia tops the list at 70%, surpassing even countries with ongoing scandals or protests
• Türkiye records its highest corruption concern since July 2015 (+11 points to 37%)

5. Unemployment: Persistent Challenges

• South Africa remains the most worried at 62%
• Colombia sees a worrying rise (+5 points to 44%)
• South Korea reports a rare decline (-8 points to 38%)

6. Healthcare: Rising Anxiety

• Hungary leads at 59%, the highest globally
• Colombia hits a record 32%, reflecting growing concerns about access and quality

7. Climate Change: Quietly Growing

• Japan leads at 27%, the highest globally
• South Korea sees a notable rise (+6 points to 22%)

8. Military Conflict: Heightened Tensions

• Poland reports the highest concern at 39% (+7 points)
• France sees a sharp increase (+10 points to 25%, highest since tracking began in April 2022)

Surprising Shifts

1. Malaysia’s Economic Optimism Skyrockets:
   • +25 points YoY, with 70% now saying the economy is “good,” the largest improvement globally.
2. US Political Divide Hits Record Gap:
   • Republicans: 74% think the US is on the right track
   • Democrats: Only 16% agree, creating a massive 58-point gap
3. South Korea’s Economic Mood Hits Rock Bottom:
   • Just 6% describe the economy as “good,” while 94% call it “bad”—the lowest ever recorded

In a Nutshell

The April 2025 Ipsos report paints a picture of a world grappling with interconnected challenges. While inflation dominates global concerns, issues like crime, corruption, and unemployment remain deeply rooted in specific regions.

Notably, Singapore’s inflation woes stand out, underscoring the pressure on policymakers to address rising costs.

On the brighter side, countries like Malaysia show remarkable resilience and optimism, proving that positive change is possible even in uncertain times.

As nations navigate these challenges, understanding regional nuances will be key to crafting effective solutions.

For now, one thing is clear: the world wants action, everybody wants it fast.