Yet again, Singapore has proven that it can attract and grow talented workers.

The country kept its position strong at 2nd in the GTCI or Global Talent Competitiveness Index designed by INSEAD which has partnered with Adecco and Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore.

93 countries were judged on their ability and openness when dealing with employable talent. The year’s list was top heavy with European countries holding down 16 out of the top twenty-five spots.

Switzerland maintained its spot at number one. Second was Singapore, then Luxemburg, the United States, and Canada rounding out the top 5. In the 35th slot was Malaysia followed by China in 41st.

The top three rankers for this year’s GTCI list, Switzerland, Singapore, and Luxembourg, are small countries that value a openness when it comes to people, investment, and trade, the report stated.

All three countries leverage human resources well and have mastered globalization.

Singapore earned a 70.72 GTCI score because of its effective education system with an emphasis on employable skills. Singapore is also “exemplary” at attracting and growing talent.

If Singapore hopes to get to number one next year the report said it could increase spending on research and development, as well as improve workplace tolerance for immigrants and minorities.

The country ranked number 1 for easiness to do businesses and also the male-to-female earning ratio. But it fell behind in R&D expenditure at 16th place, and tolerance of minorities and immigrants at 24th and 41st on the list respectively.

Singapore could also improve on its capability to retain talent, where it was number 9, as well as growth opportunities (34th) and sustainability (13th).

Countries that ranked the highest on the list value lifelong learning and invest in it through vocational training programs. The top countries like Singapore also have a flexible and mobile labor market, said Patrick De Maeseneire, CEO of The Adecco Group.