Google AI
The Times Australia

Times Media

Financial Stress Keeps Singapore Awake, while Overall Well-Being in APAC Lags Behind Global Peers

Promotion of exercise culture and therapy may boost physical and mental health

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 December 2025 – Despite mounting stress due to sustained concerns with the cost of living, vitality and overall well-being levels in Singapore remain consistent with last year.
However, stress has a demonstrable effect on respondents' mental and physical well-being, signaling the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses both aspects.
Cigna IH Study 2025 SG - Key Visual

The Singapore report of the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, released today encompasses more than 11,000 respondents across 13 markets, including 1,000 in Singapore and 4,000 across the Asia-Pacific region. The study reveals that physical, mental and financial well-being are the three aspects prioritized by Singapore residents. However, financial well-being is ranked the lowest with almost four in 10 (39%) rating their financial health as "fair" or "poor".

Raymond Ng, CEO & Country Manager, Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia said: "Health and vitality are key to building resilient communities. It promises the well-being of our workforce and enables us to grow and prosper as a society. While vitality and well-being levels held firm among Singapore residents, more needs to be done in today's uncertain environment to tackle stressors that can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being."

The key indicators of vitality and well-being in Singapore are as follows:

Vitality Score
Overall Well-Being

(% rating as "excellent" or "very good")


Top Three Areas of Well-Being

(% rating as "excellent" or "very good" in 2025)
2025: 61.2

2024: 61.4
2025: 34%

2024: 33%
Family well-being: 44%

Mental well-being: 36%

Physical well-being: 34%

On a regional level, overall well-being in Asia Pacific lags behind the global average, with less than three in 10 (28%) Asia-Pacific respondents rating their overall well-being as "excellent" or "very good", compared to four in 10 (41%) globally. While physical and mental well-being are the two most important aspects of well-being for respondents globally, financial well-being is more important for those in Asia Pacific, coming in as the third most important aspect. With financial well-being remaining the weakest aspect across the globe, there is a pressing need for governments and organizations to render support to address financial concerns.

Robert Peat, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, Cigna Healthcare said: "Asia Pacific continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the world. To sustain this momentum, communities and employers need to recognize that healthy people are the foundation of a healthy economy and implement measures to close the gaps in their well-being."

Sleepless in Singapore: Financial stress as the sleep killer

While mental well-being in Singapore remains stable with more than a third of respondents rating it as "excellent" or "very good" this year, eight in 10 (79%) respondents are stressed. Their greatest stressors are the current cost of living (53%); uncertainty about the future (47%); and personal finance (43%).

Stress affects more than mental and emotional health and can have huge implications on physical well-being. Our study reveals that disrupted sleep is the most common effect of stress among respondents in the nation, with close to half (48%) of respondents who are stressed reporting this effect, compared to 38% regionally.

Therapy remains underused by Singapore respondents. Despite nearly half (49%) of respondents reporting being negatively impacted by poor mental health, nearly nine in 10 (89%) say they did not receive counselling or therapy in the past 12 months, with 77% believing they do not need it. Given the impacts of stress and poor mental health on physical and overall well-being, more efforts are needed to raise awareness about the benefits of therapy and destigmatize seeking help.

Exercise culture runs strong in Singapore

More than a quarter (26%) of respondents in Singapore rate their exercise habits as "excellent" or "very good".

When asked how they manage their weight, two-thirds (66%) said they exercise regularly, higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 61%; with only 4% of Singapore respondents turning to medication for weight management. The findings underscore a relatively strong exercise culture and the prioritization of healthy habits among those living in the nation. Communities and organizations may leverage the growing fitness trend to enhance physical well-being.

Cautious optimism around AI in healthcare

Close to half (47%) of Singapore respondents are positive about the impact of AI on healthcare, with 45% expecting it will reduce wait times within three years. This could have an outsized impact in Singapore, as respondents here are 29% more likely to have delayed or avoided getting care due to concern with wait times than their regional counterparts.

Additionally, almost half of Singapore respondents (48%) mention a reduction in human interaction as an expected change with the advent of AI. The challenge ahead is striking the right balance between efficiency and empathy.

The full findings of the report are available here.
Hashtag: #CignaHealthcare #CignaHealthcareInternationalHealthStudy #Health #Wellness #Wellbeing





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Cigna Healthcare Singapore

Cigna Healthcare is a division of The Cigna Group, a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the health and vitality of every individual and every community. Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.

Cigna Healthcare Singapore is a strong believer of total health and wellness and prides itself on delivering personalized solutions for the health of our clients and customers. To achieve this, Cigna Healthcare Singapore works as one global team and in close partnership with its customers, network providers and communities to understand and address their diverse needs. Learn more at

Read more: Financial Stress Keeps Singapore Awake, while Overall Well-Being in APAC Lags Behind Global Peers

More Articles …

  1. HGC and Cisco Launch Secured Broadband 2.0 Redefines Next-Generation Connectivity with Security Seamlessly Embedded
  2. MIPIM Asia Summit 2025 Concludes in Hong Kong with Strategic Insights and Celebrated Prestigious Achievements in Real Estate
  3. DFI Retail Group and The Mills Fabrica Launch DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge to Drive Decarbonisation in Beef and Dairy
  4. Rate Cuts Stimulate Market Activity and Help Stabilize Hong Kong Home Prices, Greater Central Grade A Office Rents Show Upward Momentum
  5. The 15th Shanghai Biennale Opens - Does the flower hear the bee?
  6. DFA Awards 2025 Celebrates Stellar Lineup of Global Design Icons Launches Pioneering DFA Asian Design Vanguard
  7. Hong Kong Documentary Pendulum Control Wins Top Honour at the World’s Oldest Sports Film Festival
  8. 70mai Launches 4K Dash Cam Series: True 4K Provides Evidence-Level Clarity
  9. Global Success Starts Here: Singapore Institute of Management Empowers Students for International Employability
  10. Bupa Hong Kong Broadens Network Across Hong Kong and Mainland China, Offering Access to Over 6,500 Hospitals and Service Points
  11. Hong Kong Kicks Off One-Year Countdown to the XXVIII ANOC General Assembly 2026
  12. Hong Kong reclaims top global IPO spot in 2025, says KPMG
  13. How Huawei is Helping Build South Africa’s New Digital Highway
  14. IKIGAI Corporation Opens New Vietnam Headquarters, Advancing a Vision for Global Harmony and a Better World
  15. Hemostemix Inc. Announces FDA Pre-IND Meeting and NBPP of $960,000
  16. 30 Million Strong: China Changan Automobile Group Hits Historic Production Milestone, Ushering in New Era of User-Centric, Tech-Driven Global Growth
  17. Understanding Credit Exemptions at SIM: A Guide for Polytechnic and SIM GE Diploma Graduates
  18. Credo Assurance Earns ESG Certification to Support Sustainability Reporting
  19. SMART Launches New Research Centre to Develop World’s First Wearable Ultrasound Imaging System For Real-Time Monitoring of Chronic Conditions
  20. RockFlow Raises Tens of Millions to Advance AI Agent Capabilities and Expand Global Footprint
  21. Aon Survey Projects 4.8 Percent Salary Growth for Malaysia in 2026
  22. Jollibee Group Brands Lead ASEAN Restaurant Rankings for 2025 as Global Presence Expands
  23. The Philippines Takes Centre Stage with Purpose-Driven Triumphs at ACES Awards 2025
  24. KPay Now Offers Tap to Pay on iPhone for Merchants to Accept Contactless Payments
  25. Philippine Industry Leaders Honoured at ACES Awards 2025 for Responsible Transformation
  26. Doubleview Gold Corp. Announces Successful Completion of 2025 Drilling Season at the Hat Project, the Largest Drill Season yet with 13,290m Diamond Drill Core
  27. Gorilla Technology Group Completes Strategic Investment in Real-Time Infrastructure Intelligence Leader Astrikos.ai
  28. SoéPay Now Offers Tap to Pay on iPhone for Merchants to Accept Contactless Payments
  29. Malaysia’s Day 1 Winners Bring Heart, Vision, and Progress to ACES Awards 2025
  30. 170 Billion RMB Ignites the Future in Shenzhen This November. The 27th China Hi-Tech Fair Concludes Successfully
  31. The Autumn Economic Forum 2025: Vietnam affirms its leading role in the region, driving global investment into the pillars of green and digital transformation
  32. Vingroup signs MoU with the state of Telangana, laying the foundation for its multi-sector ecosystem in India
  33. PAObank Partners with Citi to Bring New Currency Exchange Service to Retail Customers in Hong Kong
  34. SeedMedical Hong Kong Launches Evidence-Based Weight Management Program Introducing GLP-1 Technology for Scientific Weight Reduction
  35. Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association presents "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025" Unfolded on Stage on November 22
  36. Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo) Launches New Parade to Celebrate Its 35th Anniversary
  37. Dusit expands Philippines portfolio with signing of ASAI Camaya Coast in ‘game-changing’ 20 million sq m coastal development in Bataan
  38. Grants Explained: Your Guide to SIM’s Financial Support
  39. Pudong New Area in Shanghai Releases Promotional Video for the 5th Anniversary of Building a Pioneer Area
  40. Amaris B. Clinic 2026 Forecast: Corrective & Restorative Procedures Demand Increases to Address Post-GLP-1 Weight Loss Aesthetic Concerns
  41. Carousel & Co. To Launch Malaysia’s First Social Entertainment Venue at Avenue K, Kuala Lumpur
  42. Hang Lung Expands Retail Portfolio in Wuxi, Marking Another Milestone of Their V.3 Strategy
  43. From O Levels to Degrees: SIM Makes Higher Education Accessible
  44. K. Wah Group Donates Additional HK$12.07 Million for Tai Po Recovery
  45. A-Level vs Polytechnic: Understanding different pathways offer competitive edge at SIM
  46. SIM and the True Worth of Education: Beyond Tuition Fees
  47. Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent
  48. Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education
  49. Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence
  50. Top Hotel and Restaurant in Hong Kong – Regent Hong Kong Shines on La Liste 2026

Times Magazine

Still Want to Change Gears? The New Cars Keeping the Manual Alive in Australia

For decades, learning to drive meant mastering the clutch pedal, selecting the right gear and find...

SpaceX changed spaceflight. Now China is proving reusable rockets are the new battleground.

When SpaceX first landed a Falcon 9 booster vertically on a floating drone ship, many experts desc...

Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric? Understanding the Differences

Buying a new car has become more complicated than choosing between petrol and diesel. Today's buye...

Technology

SpaceX changed spaceflight. Now Chi…

When SpaceX first landed a Falcon 9 booster vertically on a floating drone ship, many experts desc...

Local News

Fremantle Ports to trial project to…

Fremantle Ports has partnered with Byssal and DevelopmentWA to trial an innovative nature-based pilo...

Culture

Healthy Eating: What Does a Science-Based Die…

After years of changing food trends—from low-fat to low-carbohydrate, detoxes and "superfoods"—it ...

Travel

Santorini: Is Greece's Most Famous Islan…

Whitewashed villages perched on volcanic cliffs. Blue-domed churches overlooking the Aegean Sea. S...

The Times Features

Immigration Numbers Are a Policy Debate, Not a Race Deb…

Immigration has long helped shape modern Australia. New arrivals have contributed to the nation's...

One Nation at 29: Protest Party or Permanent Political …

Twenty-nine years ago, when Pauline Hanson's One Nation was officially formed in 1997, many politi...

IKEA: More Than Furniture—A Complete Design System for …

For many Australians, IKEA is simply a place to buy affordable furniture. Look more closely, howe...