Singapore tops human capital index

Singaporeans can expect 13.9 years of education by age 18.

Singapore clinched the top spot in the Human Capital Index released by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. With an index score of 0.88, it thwarted Asian neighbours such as South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Based on the study, the Lion City got a perfect score of 1.00 in the probability of survival by age five which is measured by the mortality rates in the country for kids under five years old. Meanwhile, the adult survival rate is at 0.95, referring to the fraction of 15-year-olds that survive until age 60.

The index also showed that Singaporeans who reached their 18th year can expect 13.9 years of school education assuming they enrolled by age four. Citizens’ harmonised test scores hit 581 over 626 where 300 represents minimal attainment.

According to the study, both male and female Singaporeans will have 12.9 learning-adjusted years in school by age 18. The indicator discounts time spent in school by a factor measuring how much children learn.

Countries in Africa had low scores in the index amidst high childhood stunting rates and low access to formal education. Chad was ranked as the worst.

The index measures the human capital that a child born today can expect to attain by her 18th birthday, specifically in the frame of health and education. It was released at the annual meeting of World Bank and International Monetary Fund.