Singapore is turning heads in the world of artificial intelligence. According to LinkedIn’s 2025 AI Talent Index, this city-state is leading the pack when it comes to AI talent. Imagine this: Singapore’s pool of AI professionals is 2.45 times the global average. This just goes to show the fierce global competition for skilled AI experts.
A report from Microsoft and LinkedIn in 2024 highlighted that 66% of leaders are all about prioritizing AI skills when hiring. They’re choosing candidates with AI expertise over those with more traditional experience. This shift makes sense when you consider how crucial AI has become in today’s job market.
LinkedIn’s introduction of the “AI talent concentration” metric gives us a clearer picture of where AI skills are flourishing. This index looks at both technical skills like machine learning and broader AI literacy, including tools like ChatGPT. In 2024, the top countries in AI talent concentration included Israel, Singapore, and Luxembourg, with Israel’s talent pool nearly doubling the global average. Other notable mentions are Estonia and Switzerland, which are also making waves.
Israel’s AI talent in 2024 was 1.98 times the global average, with Singapore and Luxembourg not far behind. Despite their smaller populations, countries like Israel and Estonia are thriving. Why? They have strong ecosystems that nurture AI talent, thanks to investments in skill development and supportive government policies. As Chua Pei Ying, LinkedIn’s APAC head economist, points out, these factors are crucial.
India may not have cracked the top ten, but it’s on the rise. Since 2016, there’s been a 252% increase in AI talent, with a significant 33.4% year-over-year hiring boost in 2024. This growth even outpaces Singapore’s 25% and the United States’ 24.7%. Clearly, the demand for AI skills in India is surging.
Chua attributes Singapore’s success to a cultural focus on learning. Singaporeans dedicate 40% more time to acquiring AI skills than their counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region. This commitment to continuous learning is paying off.
