For the first time, Singapore has topped the 2025 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)—a ranking by the French business school INSEAD that measures how countries grow, attract, and retain talent.

The city-state—the only Asian country in this year’s top 10—dethroned Switzerland, which had held first place since the list’s inception in 2013.

Switzerland slid to second place on this year’s list, closely followed by other European nations such as Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The U.S. came in 9th (slipping from 3rd place in 2023), its lowest ranking since the index was founded.

The GTCI index considers 77 indicators, ranging from soft skills to artificial intelligence. It spans 135 countries, which collectively represent over 97% of global GDP and 93% of the world’s p

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