How SEA countries are doing in AI and skills maturity: Report

Southeast Asia is undergoing a rapid digital evolution, with countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines making bold strides in AI adoption and skill development, according to the Coursera Global Skills Report 2025.

Singapore has emerged as the top-ranked country in Asia Pacific across all competencies and is now globally ranked number one in the AI Maturity Index. Demonstrating an exceptional national commitment to lifelong learning, 36% of Singapore’s labor force is actively learning on Coursera—the highest in the region and the second-highest globally.

Despite its advanced position, talent shortages remain a challenge: 83% of businesses report a lack of skilled professionals, even as 97% of organisations run AI programs—well above the global average of 88%. Notably, only half of employees believe their industries are fully leveraging generative AI, spotlighting the urgency of inclusive and large-scale upskilling, especially for women and younger workers vulnerable to AI-related disruptions.

Indonesia is accelerating its digital transformation, with 83% of businesses anticipating significant operational changes by 2030—far surpassing the 60% global average. This optimism is reflected in Coursera’s learner data, which shows a 237% year-over-year increase in GenAI course enrollments, a 22% rise in critical thinking courses, and a 41% jump in Professional Certificate enrollments.

Aligned with its National AI Strategy (2020–2045), Indonesia is focusing on key sectors including healthcare, education, bureaucratic reform, food security, and smart mobility. Strategic investments in these areas are expected to generate up to 23 million new digital jobs by the end of the decade. Government initiatives like the Merdeka Belajar–Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) are also advancing a shift toward multidisciplinary learning frameworks.

Malaysia is also seeing a surge in digital adoption, with 94% of businesses now operating AI programs, ahead of the global average. This momentum aligns with national efforts like the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, which aims to position the country as a hub for technological innovation.

Employer confidence is high, with 59% planning to expand their teams in 2025, focusing on roles in cybersecurity, fintech, and digital services. Notably, 35% of employers now prioritize candidates with short courses and online certifications—more than double the global average.

• GenAI courses up 183%

• Critical thinking courses up 38%

• Professional Certificates up 31%

Malaysia’s strategic response to emerging skills needs signals strong preparedness for future disruptions.

The Philippines is experiencing a dramatic shift in workforce dynamics, with a 95% net growth in data analyst and data scientist roles—more than twice the global average. However, 67% of employers cite skill gaps as a critical growth barrier, and 68% of employees are projected to require reskilling by 2030.

In response, employers plan to redeploy nearly 30% of their workforce into new roles after reskilling efforts. Coursera data supports this urgency, with:

• GenAI enrollments up 383%

• Cybersecurity enrollments up 53%

• Professional Certificates up 23%

With 86% of Filipino knowledge workers already using AI at work, the Philippines is well on its way to achieving its national goal of training one million AI-skilled workers by 2028.

The Coursera Global Skills Report 2025 highlights Southeast Asia’s growing emphasis on AI readiness, industry-aligned learning, and inclusive upskilling. While Singapore leads in global AI maturity, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines are rapidly advancing with strong policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and learner engagement on digital platforms.

As AI and automation reshape the nature of work, future-fit economies will be defined by how quickly and inclusively they close the skills gap—and Southeast Asia is rising to the challenge.