English has become the global lingua franca—used in business, education, and technology. In an increasingly interconnected world, English proficiency is a strategic advantage for both individuals and nations.
According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2024, several non-native English-speaking countries have emerged as top performers.
This article examines those countries and explores how Southeast Asia fits into the global picture.
The World’s Top English-Proficient Countries (2024)
EF EPI data reveals that the Netherlands ranks first with a score of 636, followed by Norway at 610, and Singapore in third place with a score of 609. Sweden and Croatia round out the top five with scores of 608 and 607 respectively. These rankings are no coincidence.
They reflect countries with strong education systems, supportive language policies, and high exposure to English-language media. This combination creates environments where learning English is natural, effective, and consistent from an early age.
Southeast Asia’s English Proficiency Landscape
The Southeast Asian region presents a mixed landscape when it comes to English proficiency. Singapore is the only Asian country in the global top five, thanks to its long-established bilingual education system where English is the primary medium of instruction in schools and government institutions.
Malaysia also performs well with a score of 566, categorizing it under “high proficiency.” This indicates that Malaysia’s investment in English language education over the past decades is yielding positive results.
The Philippines, though not in the EF top 10, is globally recognized for having one of the largest English-speaking populations in Asia. Due to its American colonial history and English-medium education, English is widely used in education, media, and the global outsourcing industry.
On the other hand, Indonesia faces greater challenges. With a score of 466, it is classified under “low proficiency,” ranking 80th out of 113 countries. This points to a gap in access to quality English education, particularly in non-urban areas.
Key Drivers and Barriers
Countries with high English proficiency typically share a few critical enablers. Chief among them is the integration of English into formal education systems from an early age. In countries like Singapore and the Netherlands, English is not just taught as a subject but is used as a language of communication and instruction.
Moreover, daily exposure to English-language media—films, music, digital content—helps accelerate learning by making the language more accessible and familiar. The more people are immersed in English in their everyday lives, the more naturally they acquire and use the language.
However, several barriers still hinder progress in many countries. Limited educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains a major challenge. A lack of qualified teachers and relevant learning materials often disrupts the language acquisition process. Digital inequality also affects access to online learning tools.
Culturally, some societies prioritize local or national languages, making English feel less essential or even foreign.
Opportunities for Southeast Asia
Despite the challenges, Southeast Asia holds vast potential to improve English proficiency across the region. The digitalization of education opens up new opportunities for inclusive and accessible English learning. E-learning platforms now allow students from diverse backgrounds to access high-quality language education anytime, anywhere.
Moreover, the region’s growing digital economy and outsourcing industries increasingly demand a workforce fluent in English. Countries like the Philippines and Malaysia are already reaping the economic benefits of this trend, and others can follow suit.
Additionally, ASEAN is gradually adopting English as its working language, making English proficiency even more crucial for regional collaboration. Investing in English education will not only benefit individuals’ career paths but also strengthen each nation’s role in regional and global cooperation.
The Future of English Proficiency in Southeast Asia
English proficiency is more than just an additional skill—it is a long-term investment in human capital. The success stories of high-performing countries demonstrate that with the right policies, forward-thinking education systems, and culturally supportive environments, it’s possible to build competitive, bilingual societies.
For countries in Southeast Asia, the time to act is now. By enhancing educational frameworks, expanding access to digital learning, and fostering a culture that values continuous language development, the region can position itself as a rising force in global communication.
With strategic focus and collaboration, Southeast Asia holds immense potential to unlock greater opportunities in economic advancement, regional unity, and international engagement.
