Singapore supported by strong employment rate, GDP per capita, digital connectivity
Singapore has emerged as the strongest market across the world when it comes to career opportunity, according to a new index, which looked at the accessibility of international markets when it comes to employment.
The Global Career Access Index, released by career development specialists at EMBXY, looked into how easy it is for individuals to enter, build, and sustain a career in different markets across the world.
It used five metrics to determine its results, namely employment rate, GDP per capita, cost of living index, share of senior and middle management positions filled by women, and LinkedIn penetration.
Singapore emerged as best country globally for career accessibility and development with an overall score of 74.76.
The index based the score on Singapore's GDP per capita of $150,689, the highest in the report, as well as its strong employment rate of 67.7%.
Singapore also saw high digital connectivity with a LinkedIn penetration of 68%, making it a standout for ambitious and internationally minded professionals.
"However, its high cost of living (87.7) remains a key trade-off for those considering relocation," the report read.
Evolving priorities at work
The findings come in the wake of employees' shifting priorities due to the rise of artificial intelligence. According to the report, professionals are no longer just focusing on entering the workforce, but also progressing into leadership roles.
They're also focused on accessing continuous professional development and maintaining wellbeing alongside career growth.
"Career opportunities today seem far less people-centric than it used to be. It's not just about salaries or role availability — it's about whether people can see a human path forward," said Patricia Cheung from EMBXY.
This is why some markets, despite reporting economic strength, do not have higher ratings when it comes to career accessibility.
Markets such as Japan and Hong Kong, despite maintaining stable employment and strong salaries, have low or moderate digital access, according to the index.
Indonesia, despite having low living costs and workforce participation strength, is also limited by lower income levels and connectivity.
On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates ranked third globally with an index score of 68.68. The market has the highest LinkedIn penetration in the index with 78%, coupled with a strong employment rate and a relatively lower cost of living.
Australia ranked fifth in the index with a 67.95 score due to its strong employment rate, high LinkedIn penetration, and a relatively balanced cost of living.
"What this data shows is that the most competitive markets are those that enable people to grow," Cheung said.
"Those that will rise in the future will depend on sustaining our human advantage in an AI era without wellbeing traded for success."
