Singapore has secured the fourth position globally and the top spot in Asia Pacific in Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2025, affirming its position as a regional leader in digital readiness and workforce upskilling. Released on 8 July by Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, the report highlights the nation’s strong performance in AI, technology, and business-related skills, supported by a growing culture of continuous learning.
Singapore tops Coursera’s AI Maturity Index
Now in its seventh edition, the Global Skills Report draws from over 170 million learners across more than 100 countries. In 2025, Singapore achieved a #1 global ranking on Coursera’s new AI Maturity Index, reflecting its preparedness to thrive in an AI-driven economy. The country also ranked #1 in technology, #3 in business, and #5 in data science.
Singapore’s AI momentum is reflected in learner activity on Coursera, with one GenAI course enrolment every 10 minutes in 2025, up from every 15 minutes in 2024. Skills in high demand include AI and machine learning (up 71%), critical thinking (up 51%), cybersecurity (up 26%), and customer service (up 54%).
Eklavya Bhave, Head of Asia Pacific at Coursera, said, “Singapore continues to set a global benchmark in digital readiness. AI is a clear priority for employers, and learners are stepping up by acquiring GenAI skills to stay ahead. From national AI strategies to workforce innovation, there’s a strong commitment to equipping Singaporeans with the right blend of technical, business, and human skills.”
National strategies drive learning momentum
Singapore’s strong performance is attributed to government-led initiatives such as the National AI Strategy 2.0, which seeks to embed AI across industries while preparing citizens for the future of work. Programmes like SkillsFuture continue to play a key role, enabling Singaporeans to access industry-relevant training through flexible, high-quality platforms.
Within six months, Coursera has seen robust engagement from learners using their SkillsFuture Credits. On average, each learner has enrolled in six courses and completed two, with many gravitating towards subjects like AI, project management, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Courses such as Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere, AI for Everyone, and Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions are among the most popular.
Learner interests also extend beyond professional training, with courses like First Step Korean and Positive Psychology suggesting a well-rounded appetite for personal and cultural development.
Key trends and challenges ahead
The report notes a 105% year-on-year increase in GenAI enrolments from Singapore, reaffirming the country’s enthusiasm for emerging technologies. However, participation gaps remain. While women account for 45% of Singapore’s overall learner base on Coursera, they make up only 32% of GenAI learners and 26% of those enrolled in Professional Certificates. This suggests opportunities to improve gender inclusivity in digital upskilling.
Singaporeans are also showing strong interest in job-ready credentials, with Professional Certificate enrolments up 39% year-on-year. Top learner skillsets include advanced analytics, statistical programming, capital markets, and financial systems – all essential to data-led industries such as finance and enterprise tech.
Emerging areas like sustainability and responsible innovation are gaining traction. Skills such as environment health and safety and user-centred design are seeing greater interest, aligning with Singapore’s goals under the Green Plan and its human-centred approach in AI Strategy 2.0.
Despite these strengths, the report highlights ongoing talent gaps. While 97% of businesses in Singapore are implementing AI programmes – higher than the global average of 88% – 83% of employers cite major skill shortages. Additionally, only half of employees believe their industries are using GenAI effectively.
With 1.3 million learners and a median age of 35, Singapore’s workforce is among the most digitally mature in the world. To sustain this progress, the report calls for continued investment in equitable access, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning to develop a future-ready and inclusive talent pool.
