World’s 2nd richest country Singapore tops global AI readiness ranking

The index, released in July, assessed 109 countries and defines AI maturity as a nation’s readiness for AI innovation, as reported by The Straits Times. Denmark ranked second and Switzerland third.

Singapore led in both AI and technology, ranked third in business, and fifth in data science in 2025, making it the world’s top AI-ready nation, according to the Singapore Business Review.

Coursera based its assessment not only on enrollment figures in AI-related courses but also on research output from local higher education institutions and data from the International Monetary Fund’s AI Preparedness Index, which evaluates how ready countries are to adopt AI technologies.

Simon Chesterman, senior director of AI governance at AI Singapore, said the findings reflect a growing appetite among Singaporeans for generative AI learning. He attributed the city-state’s progress to government initiatives such as SkillsFuture Singapore and its well-connected, highly educated population.

People gather next to the Merlion statue in front of the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore on Dec. 2, 2024. Photo by AFP

In 2025, Coursera recorded one generative AI course enrollment in Singapore every 10 minutes, up from one every 15 minutes in 2024.

Chesterman, who is also vice-provost of educational innovation at the National University of Singapore, added: "We moved early on this... while many countries are onto their first AI strategy, Singapore has had a refresh of our version 2.0."

The government has rolled out programs to boost upskilling, including the National AI Strategy 2.0, which aims to expand AI integration across industries while preparing citizens for an AI-powered economy. SkillsFuture provides access to flexible, high-quality learning opportunities.

Singaporean educator Christopher Tan, 55, used his SkillsFuture credits to subscribe to Coursera. Teaching tertiary-level statistics and mathematics, he has taken more than 30 courses since September 2024, including AI-focused ones.

He said the flexibility allowed him to learn on the go and apply knowledge directly to his work. His courses included AI literacy, effective communication, and presentation design.

"Online learning is a fantastic way to sort of level the playing field... because it brings access to world-class education to people around the world," Coursera chief executive Greg Hart said.