PHL slumps in global talent ranking

THE PHILIPPINES fell to near bottom in an annual global ranking of countries’ ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, amid a decline in the quality of life, the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center said.

- Justine Irish D. Tabile Reporter

In the IMD’s World Talent Ranking (WTR) 2025, the Philippines slipped a spot to 64th out of 69 countries. Last year, it ranked 63rd out of 67 economies.

This was the Philippines’ worst showing in 20 years or since 2005.

The Philippines’ talent competitiveness also continued to lag behind Asia-Pacific neighbors. It ranked 13th out of 14 Asia-Pacific countries, better only than Mongolia (69th overall).

Hong Kong (4th) was the highest-ranking economy in the Asia-Pacific. It was followed by Singapore (7th), Taiwan (17th), Australia (19th), Malaysia (25th), New Zealand (33rd), South Korea (37th), China (38th), Japan (40th), Thailand (43rd), Indonesia (53rd), and India (63rd).

The global talent index was again dominated by European economies led by Switzerland (1st overall), Luxembourg (2nd), and Iceland (3rd).

The WTR rankings are based on three factors: "appeal," or the ability of the economy to attract foreign talent and retain local talent; "investment and development," which refers to the measurement of resources allotted to develop a homegrown workforce; and "readiness," or the quality of the skills in a country's talent pool.

The Philippines saw a decline in all factors, dropping two places to 66th in investment and development. It slipped two spots to 56th in appeal and fell six places to 58th in readiness.

"Generally speaking, the Philippines is a net exporter of talent. And it means that it will always find it difficult to retain the homegrown talent in the country," Arturo Bris, director of the World Competitiveness Center and professor of finance at IMD, said at a hybrid press briefing on Monday.