Coursera, Inc. has released its annual Global Skills Report (GSR), with Singapore ranking #4 globally and #1 in Asia Pacific for overall skills proficiency. With 36% of the labor force actively learning on Coursera – the highest in APAC and second-highest globally – the country demonstrates exceptional national momentum in upskilling and digital transformation.
Now in its seventh year, the report is based on insights from Coursera’s global community of over 170 million learners across more than 100 countries, tracking skill proficiency and learner trends.
In 2025, Singapore ranks #1 in AI, #1 in technology, #3 in business, and #5 in data science – making it the top-ranked AI-ready nation globally in Coursera’s newly introduced AI Maturity Index.
These findings reflect Singapore’s strategic investments in AI education and innovation, and its long-standing commitment to workforce preparedness. Learner behavior further reinforces this momentum: enrollments in employer-prioritized skills have surged – AI and ML have increased by 71%, Critical Thinking by 51%, Cybersecurity by 26%, and Customer Service by 54%.
In 2025, Singapore recorded one GenAI course enrollment every 10 minutes on Coursera, up from one every 15 minutes in 2024.
Singapore’s skills performance is supported by forward-looking national initiatives such as the National AI Strategy 2.0, which aims to deepen AI integration across industries while equipping citizens with the capabilities to thrive in an AI-powered economy.
Large-scale collaborative programs like SkillsFuture play a pivotal role in advancing this vision, offering Singaporeans access to flexible, high-quality learning opportunities. In just six months, Coursera has seen strong uptake among Singaporeans utilizing their SkillsFuture Credits — on average, each learner has enrolled in six courses, and completed two courses so far.
Popular choices reflect the country’s balanced focus on emerging technologies and professional certifications, with enrollments leading in AI, project management, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Courses like Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere, AI for Everyone, and Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions dominate, while electives such as First Step Korean and Positive Psychology also make the list – showcasing learner curiosity beyond core tech.
“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,” said Eklavya Bhave, Head of Asia Pacific, Coursera.
“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.”
Key findings for Singapore:
- Singapore leads globally in AI readiness: Ranked #1 on Coursera’s AI Maturity Index, Singapore saw a 105% YoY increase in GenAI enrollments, reflecting continued learner enthusiasm for emerging AI tools.
However, participation gaps persist, with women accounting for only 32% of GenAI learners, despite making up 45% of the country’s overall learner base on Coursera. - Demand for job-ready credentials continues to rise: Professional Certificate enrollments grew 39% YoY in Singapore, highlighting strong learner interest in outcome-based programs.
While overall uptake is high, women currently account for 26% of these enrollments, pointing to a growing opportunity for more inclusive participation. - Advanced analytics and finance skills stand out: Top learner skills include Advanced Analytics, Statistical Programming, Capital Markets, and Financial Systems, highlighting strong demand for applied technology in financial services and data-driven industries.
- Focus on responsible innovation and green skills are emerging: Focus on skills like Environment Health and Safety and User-Centered Design suggest growing learner interest in building responsibly, particularly in sectors like health tech, urban planning, and manufacturing.
This aligns with Singapore’s sustainability agenda and the human-centered AI priorities outlined in AI Strategy 2.0.
