Singapore has emerged as the top-performing country in Asia Pacific and #4 globally for overall skills proficiency, according to Coursera’s latest Global Skills Report. With 36 per cent of its workforce actively engaged in online learning, the country is also the most AI-ready nation in the world.

The findings, drawn from over 170 million Coursera learners worldwide, highlight Singapore’s strategic strides in digital transformation and workforce development. The city-state leads Coursera’s newly introduced AI Maturity Index, thanks to its top global rankings in AI and technology, and strong showings in business and data science.

“Singapore continues to set a global benchmark in digital readiness,” said Eklavya Bhave, Head of Asia Pacific at Coursera. “AI is a clear priority for employers, and learners are stepping up by acquiring GenAI skills to stay ahead.”

GenAI course enrollments in Singapore have surged, with one recorded every 10 minutes in 2025 – up from one every 15 minutes the year before. Courses in machine learning, critical thinking, and cybersecurity are also seeing increased uptake, as workers respond to employer demand for job-relevant skills.

Despite these gains, the report notes participation gaps. Women make up only 32 per cent of GenAI course enrollees, even though they account for 45 per cent of Singapore’s learner base. Similarly, only 26 per cent of learners enrolled in Professional Certificate programmes are women.

Singapore’s skills performance is underpinned by key national policies like the National AI Strategy 2.0, which aims to embed AI across industries while fostering responsible innovation. Government initiatives such as SkillsFuture have further accelerated uptake: Coursera reports that Singaporeans using their SkillsFuture Credits have enrolled in an average of six courses, completing two on average within the last six months.

The country’s top learner skills reflect its focus on financial services and data-driven industries, with Advanced Analytics, Statistical Programming, and Capital Markets among the most studied areas. Meanwhile, interest is rising in areas such as environmental health, user-centred design, and other skills tied to sustainable development and human-centred AI.

Singapore’s digitally driven workforce skews young, with a median learner age of 35. Yet, talent shortages remain a critical challenge. Although 97 per cent of businesses in Singapore run AI programmes—compared to 88 per cent globally—83 per cent of employers report difficulty in finding qualified talent. Only half of employees believe their industries are fully leveraging GenAI’s potential.

As Coursera continues to expand access to industry-aligned certifications and flexible learning pathways, the report reveals the need for more inclusive participation, particularly among women, and greater integration of micro-credentials to meet evolving job market demands.