Singapore has maintained its position as Asia’s leading English-speaking nation, according to the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index, though the region faces a troubling decline in language skills.
The annual report, released this week by global language training company EF, reveals Singapore not only tops Asian rankings but also secures the third position worldwide, demonstrating “very high proficiency” in English.
The Philippines and Malaysia trail behind Singapore, ranking second and third in Asia, occupying the 22nd and 26th global positions, respectively.
However, the report sounds an alarm about a significant regional setback. Asia experienced the most substantial drop in English proficiency this year, primarily driven by score reductions in major economies like India and China.
“This isn’t just a statistical blip,” said language expert Dr. Elena Rodriguez. “It reflects broader challenges in language education and global communication strategies.”
The global trend mirrors the regional decline, marking the fourth consecutive year of diminishing English proficiency worldwide. Experts suggest a potential correlation with reduced motivation to improve English skills across multiple countries.
As globalization continues to demand robust multilingual capabilities, this downward trajectory raises critical questions about future international communication and professional competitiveness.
The EF English Proficiency Index, based on online standardized tests, provides a comprehensive snapshot of global English language skills.
