An online infographic has generated discussion after purporting to list Singapore as having the highest average monthly salary across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regions for 2025. While the graphic highlights significant earning differences between nations, commenters have drawn attention to the associated cost of living and suggested that median income figures may provide a more accurate picture.
Infographic Details Regional Salary Rankings
The document, titled “Top 20 Highest Average Monthly Salaries by Province/State in ASEAN 2025,” ranked Singapore first. According to the graphic, the average monthly salary for Singapore was US$4,457 (approximately S$5,700). Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) followed closely, securing second place with an average salary listed at US$1,321 (around S$1,700).
The infographic cited statistical departments from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia as its sources. The report featured five total ASEAN countries. Singapore claimed the top position, while Malaysian states dominated much of the ranking, occupying spots second through seventh, in addition to 18th and 19th.
Other locations included:
- The Philippines was represented twice, with Manila ranked 14th (US$730 or S$930) and Cebu ranked 20th (US$585 or S$745).
- Jakarta in Indonesia was listed at 17th place.
- Thailand occupied the remaining positions on the list.
Debate Over Income vs. Purchasing Power
Despite Singapore’s leading position, commenters quickly noted the substantial disparity between its salary and that of KL. One user observed that Singapore’s average monthly income was roughly 337% greater than Kuala Lumpur’s.
However, other online users argued that high salaries in Singapore are matched by corresponding increases in daily expenses. As one commenter stated:
Nominal income is not equal to higher purchasing power.
A different observation focused on the perceived benefit of being Malaysian, suggesting it allows residents the ability to earn Singapore dollars while spending money within their domestic market.
Median Income Reveals Potential Wider Gap
Several netizens also questioned relying solely on average salary figures, asserting that median income is often a better measure because high earners can skew the overall average. When comparing median salaries from official sources, the difference between Singapore and KL appears even greater than suggested by the infographic.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the median gross monthly salary for full-time employed residents in 2025 stands at S$5,775. This figure incorporates both permanent residents and citizens.
In contrast, Malaysia’s Department of Statistics reported that the nation’s median monthly salary for Q3 2025 was RM2,864 (approximately S$920). KL recorded the highest median national salary at RM4,064 (S$1,300).
The median figures suggest a wider income gap than the averages presented in the online graphic. Furthermore, Malaysian data indicated that Selangor and Penang ranked second and third nationally regarding median monthly salaries, which contradicts the infographic’s ranking of them as third and fifth among Malaysian states.
During related discussions, one piece of commentary noted:
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