Coursera Global Skills Report 2025: Malaysia ranks 50th globally, focuses on GenAI and leadership skills

• Malaysia is embracing GenAI skills rapidly but participation gaps remain
• M’sian learners show 57% proficiency in business, 55% in technology & 53% in data science

Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has released its annual Global Skills Report, revealing a 183% year-over-year (YoY) increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrolments in Malaysia—well above the Asia Pacific average of 132%. The findings highlight Malaysia’s accelerating efforts to strengthen digital capabilities and prepare its workforce for AI-driven transformation. 

Based on insights from Coursera’s global community of over 170 million learners, the report tracks emerging skill trends across more than 100 countries. Now in its seventh year, the 2025 edition ranks Malaysia 50th globally for overall skills proficiency and 14th in Asia Pacific.

Malaysian learners demonstrate 57% proficiency in business, 55% in technology, and 53% in data science. On Coursera’s newly introduced AI Maturity Index, Malaysia ranks 31st—indicating globally competitive levels of AI learning and institutional adoption.

This progress aligns with Malaysia’s national digital strategies, including the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, which aims to future-proof the workforce and drive technology-led growth. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 41% of Malaysian businesses expect core skills to change by 2030—above the global average of 39%. 

The report also notes employer optimism: 59% plan to expand their teams in 2025, particularly in cybersecurity, fintech, and digital services. Coursera’s data reflects this demand, with notable increases in enrolments in high-priority skills: AI and ML (up 152%), Critical Thinking (38%), Customer Service (22%), and Curiosity (18%)—demonstrating Malaysia’s shift towards an AI-ready economy underpinned by technical and human-centric skills.

“Malaysia is laying the foundation for a digitally confident workforce. AI is a clear priority for employers, and learners are stepping up by acquiring GenAI skills to stay ahead,” said Eklavya Bhave, Head of Asia Pacific at Coursera.

“From AI strategies to forward-thinking education policies, we’re seeing strong national commitment to equipping Malaysians with the right mix of technical, business and human skills. Coursera is proud to support this transformation through partnerships with education, industry, and government to build an inclusive, job-ready talent pipeline,” she added.

Key findings for Malaysia include:

• Rapid GenAI adoption, but gender gap remains: GenAI enrolments grew 183% YoY, yet only 31% of these learners are women—despite women comprising 46% of Coursera’s overall learner base in Malaysia.
• Rising demand for job-ready credentials: Enrolments in Professional Certificates increased 31% YoY, reflecting growing interest in outcome-based learning. However, women account for just 29% of these, pointing to the need for more inclusive participation.
• Core operational and leadership skills in focus: Top learner skills include management accounting, process analysis, compliance, and marketing psychology—alongside a growing interest in leadership areas like talent management, organisational development, and employee performance.

With over 900,000 learners on Coursera and a median age of 33, Malaysia’s digital talent pool is steadily expanding. However, closing skills gaps remains a critical challenge. According to the report, 35% of Malaysian CEOs cite a shortage of skilled workers as their top concern. An equal proportion of employers now prioritise candidates with short courses and certifications—more than twice the global average—underscoring the increasing value of flexible, job-relevant learning.

Bridging these gaps will require coordinated national efforts, including stronger public-private partnerships, integrating micro-credentials into higher education, and expanding access to online learning. Increasing women’s participation in emerging tech fields is also vital—not only for gender equity but to unlock Malaysia’s full digital potential.