Singapore tops Southeast Asia in digital and AI competitiveness

The 2026 World Digital and AI Ranking, released Wednesday by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), placed Singapore ahead of the Netherlands, Denmark and Canada.

With a score of 99.79 out of 100, Singapore was the only economy to secure a top-five position in all five categories evaluated: efficiency, workforce development, technology and infrastructure, governance, and values.

People walk along the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore, 25 May 2023. Photo by AFP

The city-state led the world in workforce development and values, ranked fourth in governance and efficiency, and fifth in technology and infrastructure. It also placed third globally in AI adoption.

The assessment draws on statistical data and surveys of business executives to measure economies’ digital and AI competitiveness.

This year, IMD introduced the expanded ranking to replace its World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, launched in 2017. The revised framework places greater emphasis on AI adoption, regulation and public trust in the technology.

Singapore has been accelerating AI adoption across its workforce and business sector.

According to the Infocomm Media Development Authority, the share of small and medium-sized enterprises using AI surged from 4.2% in 2023 to 14.5% in 2024, more than tripling in a year. Among larger companies, adoption increased from 44% to 62.5% over the same period.

In March, the government launched its National AI Impact Programme, which aims to support 10,000 enterprises in adopting AI over three years and equip 100,000 workers with practical AI skills.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Malaysia ranked 27th globally, followed by Vietnam in 37th, Thailand in 43rd, Indonesia in 47th and the Philippines in 53rd.

Vietnam, included in the revised ranking for the first time, ranked 13th globally for AI adoption, 15th for digital and AI governance, and 21st for efficiency.