According to the 6th Global Skills Report by Coursera, a leading online learning platform, announced that Singapore ranks as the 12th most skilled country globally and 2nd in the Asia Pacific region.
The report also highlights a remarkable 815% year-over-year (YoY) increase in enrollments for Generative AI (GenAI) courses among Singaporean learners, demonstrating their commitment to mastering critical skills in the face of rapid digital transformation and automation.
Singaporeans have also ranked within the top 15 globally in Business (11th), Tech (11th), and Data Science (15th), focusing on acquiring high-demand skills like fintech, blockchain, resilience, and machine learning. The annual report, which draws on data from over 148 million learners and 7,000 institutional partners on the Coursera platform, identifies regional and national trends in skill proficiency and opportunities.
“Singapore’s dedication to upskilling its workforce is truly inspiring, with learners actively acquiring new skills and technologies. Over 1 million learners, nearly 15% of the population, are learning on Coursera, reflecting a strong national commitment to personal and professional growth”, said Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Coursera.
“By making Coursera content eligible for SkillsFuture Credits, we are proud to contribute to Singapore’s vision of a future-ready workforce. This initiative will equip learners with the skills and credentials needed to stay resilient and adaptable, opening up more pathways to economic opportunities in the globalized world”.
Singapore ranks among the top 10 countries globally for enrollments in GenAI courses on Coursera, leading in Southeast Asia. Millennials make up 65% of enrollments, followed by GenXers at 24% and GenZers at 8%. Over 70% of these learners are in senior or managerial roles, underscoring the growing need for leadership to understand AI’s impact, make strategic and ethical decisions, and guide their teams through change.
This trend supports Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, positioning the country as a major global business and innovation hub. With SkillsFuture Credit, more Singaporeans can now access over 350 GenAI courses and projects on Coursera to deepen their understanding of this emerging technology.
Beyond AI, Epidemiology has arisen as the top skill in Singapore, reflecting the government’s emphasis on the Care Economy, a key growth area alongside the Digital and Green Economies. The report also indicates a strong focus on FinTech and financial skills among Singaporean learners, with four of the top ten skills related to finance, highlighting Singapore’s dedication to leading in both emerging technologies and critical societal needs.
Enrollment in Professional Certifications also saw a 57% YoY growth in Singapore, with the top three certifications in digital skills, being data analytics and cybersecurity. These entry-level certifications have empowered learners to advance their careers and give them opportunities in new industries. Coursera found that APAC learners reported a 20% salary increase, and 34% received new job offers or more interview opportunities after completing an entry-level professional certificate.