Singapore Tops Global Talent Competitiveness Index A Key Milestone for the Regional Talent Ecosystem
Published Time:
2025-12-03 11:58
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The latest edition of the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), released on November 26, shows that Singapore has risen to the top of the global ranking for the first time, surpassing long-time leader Switzerland after ranking second eight times over the past nine years. This breakthrough reflects Singapore’s sustained investments in its education system, regulatory environment, and workforce adaptability, while also signaling a significant shift in the regional talent landscape.
The report highlights that Singapore’s rise is largely driven by notable improvements in the “Talent Retention” dimension. This year, the city-state has enhanced its overall quality of life, healthcare density, personal safety, and individual rights, making it a more attractive destination for retaining talent. At the same time, improvements in the vibrancy of the business environment and labor market have provided a more stable and diverse space for both enterprises and professionals to grow.
Singapore continues to lead globally in core dimensions such as general adaptability, formal education, and regulatory framework, reflecting its sustained efforts to equip the workforce with digital literacy, innovation capabilities, and the soft skills required to navigate technological transformation. The report notes that in today’s fast-changing economic and technological environment, workforce flexibility and adaptability are key to maintaining resilience and competitiveness.
However, the report also cautions that Singapore has dropped from third to thirteenth place in the “Tech & Vocational Skills” dimension, indicating that mid-level workers face challenges in skill transitions and adapting to technological changes. With AI and emerging technologies reshaping industries, mid-level roles are particularly vulnerable. Experts suggest that Singapore should continue to expand reskilling initiatives, support career transitions, and accelerate the diffusion of AI capabilities to ensure that its workforce remains aligned with long-term industry and economic developments.
The report further notes that Singapore’s ascent is not only a national achievement but also a significant milestone for East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Strengthened institutional frameworks, digital readiness, and workforce adaptability across the region are narrowing the gap with traditional advanced economies. In an increasingly competitive global landscape, attracting international talent, providing clear immigration pathways, and maintaining a liveable and business-friendly environment have become critical for small open economies to sustain their edge.
Singapore’s rise also underscores the importance of local enterprise services and talent support systems. Headquartered in Singapore, FOZL Group has been providing one-stop professional services to businesses since its establishment in 2011, including company registration, accounting and tax services, auditing, work pass management, human resources, trademark registration, family office setup, and corporate compliance solutions. As Singapore tops the global talent competitiveness ranking, more companies are choosing to establish headquarters, expand operations, or attract international talent in the city-state. Leveraging deep local expertise and cross-border capabilities, FOZL Group assists businesses in navigating Singapore’s regulatory environment, integrating regional talent resources, and establishing robust operational foundations, providing comprehensive support for growth in Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific market.
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