Survey reveals Asian societies’ secret to happiness

Emerging Asian nations are finding out what developed ones did years ago: money – and the stuff it buys – brings happiness. Levels of self-reported well-being in fast-growing nations like Indonesia, China and Malaysia now rival those in the U.S., Germany and the United Kingdom, according to a Pew Research Center global survey released Friday. It shows how rises in national income are closely linked to personal satisfaction.

Money can’t secure happiness. There are people who don’t have any money but they lead a happy life because family members love and respect each other.

Nguyen Thi Mai, 66-year-old retired teacher, Vietnam

The pollsters asked people in 43 countries to place themselves on a “ladder of life,” with the top rung representing the best possible life and the bottom the worst. It also found that people in emerging and developing economies prioritize a few essentials in life, including their health, their children’s education and safety from crime. Fewer people in those economies said Internet access, car ownership, free time or the ability to travel is very important in their lives.

Money can buy lots of happiness for me because I am very materialistic.

Businessman Tony Wong, Malaysia

Asia-Pacific money happiness