A new global report has sparked debate after revealing that while Singapore ranks as Asia’s top country for work-life balance, its position may not be as enviable as it seems when compared with Malaysia. The Work-Life Balance Index 2025, published by Remote.com, ranked Singapore at 25th globally and Malaysia at 27th, but closer scrutiny shows Malaysia is catching up fast – and in many ways, offering workers a fairer deal.
The index measures factors such as working hours, statutory annual leave, minimum wage levels, workplace safety and employee benefits across 60 countries and regions. While Singapore may have scored slightly higher overall, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many Singaporeans continue to face notoriously long working hours, limited annual leave, and stagnant wage growth relative to the rising cost of living.
Malaysia, by contrast, is strengthening protections for workers. The government recently increased the minimum wage to RM1,700 (about S$490), a significant step in addressing cost-of-living pressures. Malaysian employees are also entitled to 19 days of statutory annual leave, compared with Singapore’s minimum of just 7 days for new employees – among the lowest in developed economies.
Singapore’s “Top Asian Rank” Masks Worker Struggles
While the Republic’s global 25th position might sound impressive, it pales when compared to European nations that dominate the top 10, such as New Zealand, Ireland and Belgium. In fact, Singapore’s work culture has long been criticised for excessive hours, high stress levels, and a lack of real downtime.
On average, Singaporeans work far longer weeks than Europeans, with little flexibility to balance family and personal life. Hybrid work arrangements remain uneven across industries, and statutory leave has not kept pace with global norms. Many employees in Singapore complain of “always-on” expectations from employers, especially in white-collar sectors.
Malaysia, meanwhile, is showing stronger intent to improve workplace standards, moving steadily towards a model where workers are better protected and compensated. Though challenges remain, its trajectory suggests a more positive direction compared to Singapore’s entrenched “work-first” mentality.
The Bigger Picture: Asia Still Trails Europe
Neither Singapore nor Malaysia made it into the world’s top 20 for work-life balance. The Netherlands, for instance, was highlighted for its average 30.5-hour workweek, while many Asian employees still clock more than 40 hours. Even so, Malaysia’s reforms indicate a willingness to narrow the gap, while Singapore appears locked in a culture of productivity over personal well-being.
The contrast between the two neighbours is telling: Singapore may have edged ahead on paper, but Malaysia is making the changes that matter to workers’ daily lives. If the Republic fails to address its chronic long-hours culture and weak annual leave policies, its regional advantage could soon disappear.