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Durability over hype: Assuring Singapore’s talent edge

Behind the Republic’s lower standing in the latest IMD World Talent Ranking is a drop in sentiment, not a structural fall

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    • To stay ahead, Singapore needs a more coherent system, one that keeps the core strong, while letting fresh talent and ideas flow in, say the writers.
    • To stay ahead, Singapore needs a more coherent system, one that keeps the core strong, while letting fresh talent and ideas flow in, say the writers. PHOTO: ST

    Ma Qi Xiang and Yi Xin

    Published Wed, Sep 17, 2025 · 07:00 AM

    “TOGETHER, we are not afraid of storms,” declared Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee at the 2025 Hong Kong-Asean Summit on Sep 9.

    The line was well-timed, spoken just as Hong Kong climbed five places in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Talent Ranking, overtaking Singapore for the first time in recent memory. Lee touted the jump “a clear testament” to his government’s talent push. 

    The IMD World Talent Ranking assesses how well countries develop, attract and retain talent. It is closely watched by businesses and makes headlines each year.

    foreign talentJobs and skillsTrainingleadership

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