In a revealing global survey conducted by the renowned Swedish company Education First, Singapore has secured an impressive third place for English proficiency, reaffirming its status as a linguistic stronghold in Asia. This year’s results illustrate the city-state’s ongoing commitment to achieving high standards in English, despite a noticeable decline in proficiency across many regions in the world.

The 2024 rankings, derived from the EF Standard English Test (SET) results of 2.1 million adults taken last year, placed the Netherlands at the top of the list with a score of 636, followed closely by Norway at 610. Singapore, with a score of 609, stands proud as the leading country in Asia. This places Singapore among a select group of nations, including Sweden, Croatia, Portugal, Denmark, Greece, and Austria, classified in the “Very High Proficiency” category.

This category indicates that individuals are not only capable of understanding nuanced and appropriate language in social situations, but can also read advanced texts effortlessly and negotiate contracts with fluent English speakers. On the other end of the spectrum, individuals in the “Very Low Proficiency” category struggle to communicate beyond basic self-introduction and comprehension of simple signs.

While Singapore's rank has slipped from second place in the 2023 and 2022 surveys, where it garnered scores of 642 and 631 respectively, the nation's continued excellence in English proficiency outshines other Asian counterparts. The Philippines comes in second in Asia with a score of 570, followed by Malaysia at 566, both classified in the "High Proficiency" category.

The study raises concerns about the decreasing trend in global English proficiency, which has witnessed a decline for four consecutive years. Alarmingly, three-fifths of the countries surveyed reported lower proficiency scores in 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a waning interest in enhancing English language skills worldwide. Notably, the data revealed that while English proficiency among women has stabilized, a decline was observed in men's proficiency.

In Asia, the English proficiency landscape has deteriorated significantly, with only a handful of countries recording any improvements. In contrast, the Middle East has experienced a consistent upward trajectory in English skills.

The survey also highlighted a disparity in English proficiency among different sectors, with public sector workers demonstrating lower English skills compared to their private sector counterparts. This gap can be attributed, in part, to the qualifications needed for jobs in the private sector, where high English proficiency is often a prerequisite.

The importance of English proficiency as the de facto global language of communication cannot be overstated. It serves as an indicator of a nation’s economic potential and a reflection of its investments in education, healthcare, and living standards. Furthermore, a workforce with strong English skills tends to be more adaptable and globally minded, essential traits in a rapidly evolving economy.

Overall, while Singapore remains a leader in English proficiency in Asia, the broader trend of declining language skills across various regions raises critical questions about the future of global communication and economic growth.