Young Global Leaders Annual Summit 2024 in Singapore ©World Economic Forum/Event Photographer SingaporeHome to a strong and diverse talent pool
Singapore consistently ranks among the best places in the world to do business, thanks to its stable political environment, robust legal framework, and strategic location as a bridge between East and West. For young talent, this translates into unparalleled opportunities to grow in a thriving economy driven by innovation and a skilled workforce.
The city-state is a global leader in talent development, securing the #2 spot worldwide and the top position in the Asia-Pacific region on the 2023 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) for the third consecutive year. Published annually by INSEAD, in collaboration with the Human Capital Leadership Institute and the Descartes Institute for the Future, the GTCI evaluates how countries attract, grow, and retain talent. These accolades highlight Singapore’s strategic policies and innovative programs aimed at developing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
At the heart of this success is the Singapore Government’s commitment to driving local talent development through robust education and industry partnerships. Singapore’s institutes of higher learning, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS)—ranked 8th globally in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025—provide a strong foundation for its skilled talent pool.
Complementing this is Singapore’s collaboration with leading global companies to foster next-generation talent. For instance, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) Centre for AI was recently launched in collaboration with NVIDIA. The centre aims to advance artificial intelligence education and innovation, equipping students with cutting-edge skills for the future.
To further support young professionals, the government has implemented initiatives such as the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes, which combine real-world practical experience with continued education. Meanwhile, the TechSkills Accelerator focuses on developing a workforce adept at driving Singapore’s digital economy.
Combined with thriving opportunities in high-demand sectors like AI, sustainability, and healthcare, these efforts underline Singapore’s holistic approach to cultivating talent that can drive innovation and address global challenges.
Business Events as a Catalyst for Talent Development
One of the most impactful ways Singapore fosters young talent is through hosting high-caliber business events that provide platforms for networking, learning, and collaboration. The 60th AIJA International Young Lawyers’ Congress, held in 2022, showcased the city’s ability to blend its vibrant environment with opportunities for professional growth, with over 400 delegates representing more than 300 international law firms and organisations flying in from over 55 countries and regions. With a theme focused on The Future of the Legal Profession: Reunite and Embrace the Change, the congress brought together young lawyers from around the globe to discuss the transformations shaping their field.
The event was a six-day whirlwind of academic sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to equip young lawyers with the tools to lead in a rapidly evolving industry. Held primarily at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, the event delivered more than 20 hours of academic content facilitated by over 70 speakers and moderators. Topics ranged from combating money laundering in Asia to antitrust and environmental law, reflecting the pressing global issues young lawyers are poised to tackle.
“As an international legal services and Intellectual Property hub, Singapore offered the perfect setting to align with AIJA’s mission of networking, learning, and development,” said Fanny Senez, AIJA Events Manager. “The congress became also a very successful meeting place between a very knowledgeable local legal community and the international membership of AIJA. This was achieved by the involvement of Singapore-based speakers in all sessions of the programme and the support of the accreditation system in place which was used as an additional incentive”.
The congress also showcased Singapore’s diverse cultural and leisure offerings, ensuring delegates left with more than professional insights. Senez stated: “Singapore is a fantastic blend between tradition and modernity ensuring that technical needs are met while conveying an authentic atmosphere which left participants with very specific memories of the 2022 congress edition. As a key business hub, it provided the ideal of environment for exchange and learning as well.”
The Welcome Reception at The Lantern rooftop bar at Fullerton Bay Hotel provided stunning views of Marina Bay, while the gala dinner at the Flower Field Hall in Gardens by the Bay combined a sumptuous feast with a breathtaking setting. “Delegates left the congress with the feeling they had a real Singapore experience,” Senez noted, emphasizing the balance between professional and cultural enrichment.
These carefully curated experiences go beyond being a mere backdrop for professional discussions—they provide valuable learning and networking opportunities that contribute to the development of young talent. By connecting participants with industry leaders and exposing them to cutting-edge ideas, events like the AIJA Congress inspire young professionals to expand their horizons, embrace change, and build the skills necessary to navigate an evolving legal landscape.
A Model for the Future
Singapore, as a leading MICE destination, boasts a vibrant calendar of industry and thought leadership events, providing young professionals with valuable opportunities to network with peers and expand their knowledge across diverse sectors. As global competition intensifies, cities that invest in their youth are setting the stage for sustainable growth. Singapore exemplifies this approach, leveraging its resources and vision to ensure that young talent not only grows but thrives.
That might have been why the city-state attracted the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) Annual Summit, a gathering for exceptional leaders under the age of 40 from diverse sectors worldwide organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In 2024, Singapore hosted the 20th edition of the summit from 21 to 23 October, marking a significant milestone in the Forum of Global Young Leaders’ two-decade journey. The event convened some 500 Young Global Leaders from across the globe, all dedicated to driving positive change in their respective fields and communities.
Oliver Schwab, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), remarked: “We had around 500 Young Global Leaders in Singapore, representing about 80 different countries. Singapore embodies many of the values that are central to this community. How do you build a sustainable, inclusive city? How do you harness technology to address global challenges? These are the very principles Singapore has exemplified over decades of development, and they align closely with the core values of our community.”
The event’s agenda was rich with discussions on how to tackle pressing global challenges, including leveraging technological advancements for good, championing inclusive growth and climate action. A highlight was Singapore’s Minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing’s address, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to fostering leadership that embodies resilience, unity, and a vision for a sustainable and inclusive world. He remarked, “It is our collective responsibility to shape a brighter future—a future shaped by leaders who embody the right values and a steadfast purpose.”
Singapore’s selection as the host city underscored its strategic role as a global nexus for innovation and leadership. The city’s dynamic environment provided an ideal backdrop for YGLs to engage in immersive learning experiences, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities. The summit not only celebrated the achievements of next-generation leaders but also reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing the world’s most critical challenges, aligning with the WEF’s mission to improve the state of the world.
Singapore’s commitment to fostering young leaders extends beyond local initiatives and programs. It is complemented by the diverse business events hosted here, which play a pivotal role as key facilitators of knowledge exchange and meaningful connections. These events empower the next generation of talent to reach their full potential and drive positive, lasting change in addressing global challenges.
Find out how you can partner with Singapore to create exceptional business events that make an impact: www.visitsingapore.com/mice