Singapore claims top position in Global Talent Competitiveness Index, first time since launch

Summary

Singapore has taken first place in the 2025 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) — the first time it has led the ranking since the index began. Switzerland and Denmark follow in second and third. High‑income economies, especially Nordic countries, dominate the top positions, while some nations excel by focusing on specific pillars such as Growing or Attracting talent.

Singapore led globally in Generalist Adaptive (GA) Skills, Formal Education and Regulatory Landscape (all ranked 1st). Its overall rise was driven by improvements in Retain — notably Lifestyle and personal safety — and in the Business and Labour Landscape. However, Vocational & Technical (VT) Skills slipped, signalling pressure on mid‑level skills and employability.

The report also highlights varied regional performances: Malaysia placed 46th and remains strong among upper middle‑income countries; the Philippines (75th) is an emerging story in ESAO; India sits at 100th with strengths in digital exports but weakness in VT Skills and openness.

Key Points

Singapore is #1 in the GTCI for the first time, leading in GA Skills, Formal Education and Regulatory Landscape.
High‑income and Nordic countries dominate the top ranks; countries often win by excelling in particular pillars (eg Netherlands in Grow, Luxembourg in Attract).
Singapore improved in Retain (31st) and Lifestyle indicators (up sharply), boosting its ability to keep talent.
VT Skills are a concern for Singapore (fell to 13th from 3rd), highlighting mid‑level skills and employability pressures.
Malaysia (46th) shows strong Enable outcomes and digital strengths; Philippines (75th) is a rising performer in the ESAO region.
India (100th) has notable digital and ICT strengths but faces challenges in vocational training, openness and retention.
The GTCI emphasises talent enablement, attraction, growth and retention as input pillars, and VT and GA Skills as output pillars.

Context and Relevance

The GTCI results matter for employers, HR leaders and policy makers because they reflect where countries are building future‑ready workforces amid rapid technological and geopolitical change. Singapore’s top ranking underlines its long‑term investment in education, governance and labour policy — and signals that nations focused on regulatory clarity, education quality and safety can better retain and develop talent.

The report’s theme, Talent and Resilience: Navigating an era of disruption, ties directly to AI adoption, supply‑chain shifts and the need for adaptable skills. For businesses planning hiring, training or location strategy in Asia, the GTCI is a useful benchmark of where talent pools are deepest and where mid‑skill gaps may pose risks.

Author note

Punchy take: This is a big deal for Singapore — not just a ranking bump. The country topping the GTCI reshapes perceptions about where global talent clusters are forming in Asia. If you influence talent strategy, read the detail on Retain and VT Skills — that’s where the tradeoffs are.

Why should I read this?

Because if you hire, train or plan policy in Asia, these rankings tell you where talent is concentrated, where mid‑skill gaps are growing, and what governments are doing about it. Short version: Singapore’s now the global benchmark — but there are cracks around vocational skills you should know about. Handy if you want to spot opportunities (or risks) fast.