TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Understanding which Asian countries excel in English can be valuable for people of all backgrounds. According to Statista.com, a staggering 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English, either as their native language or as a second language. Leading the way in Asia is Singapore, consistently ranked at the top for English proficiency.

This dominance might explain why many Asian parents prioritize their children's English education from a young age. There's even a popular saying: "You can conquer the world if you speak English!" Indeed, fluency in English unlocks a multitude of benefits, from facilitating business growth and educational opportunities to boosting local tourism.

This article shows the top Asian countries that speak English, based on data from the English Proficiency Index.

Singapore

With the highest English Proficiency Index Score of 642, Singapore is acclaimed as the first place for English speaking Asian countries category. Contrary to popular belief, Singapore is a multilingual nation with four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil.

Mandarin Chinese is the predominant language spoken at home in Singapore, with 51% of the population using it for daily communication, according to the population census.Singapore's geographical proximity to Malaysia in Southeast Asia has influenced its choice of Malay as an official language, alongside Mandarin Chinese and English.

The Philippines

While Tagalog is the official language of the Philippines, English proficiency is widespread, with approximately 48% of the population being native speakers or fluent users. This linguistic advantage, reflected in the country's English Proficiency Index score of 578, has made the Philippines a popular destination for foreigners. Cebu, known for its tropical paradise, is a prime example of the country's appeal.

Malaysia

Malaysia closely follows the Philippines as the Asian countries that speak English, scoring 574 on the English Proficiency Index, just four points behind. Despite Malay being the official language, Malaysia boasts a diverse linguistic landscape. Government-mandated English education has contributed to a high English proficiency rate, with nearly 72% of the population able to communicate in English to varying degrees.

Hongkong

Globalization has solidified English as the world's predominant language, eclipsing Mandarin Chinese. Hong Kong, with its English Proficiency Index score of 561, exemplifies this trend. English permeates Hong Kong's social fabric, and its residents demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language.

South Korea

Globalization plays a vital role in making South Korea place fifth as the English-speaking Asian country with an English Proficiency Index score of 537. South Korea's entertainment industry has successfully penetrated the Western market in recent years. To expand their global reach, many Korean entertainers have dedicated significant effort to mastering English.

India

India boasts a significant English-speaking population, with approximately 40% of its citizens using English in addition to their native Hindi, scoring 516 in the English Proficiency Index. The country has prioritized English education by introducing the language early in the school curriculum

Vietnam

Vietnam is another Southeast Asian country with a growing English-speaking population. While proficiency levels are generally lower than in neighboring countries, approximately 20% of Vietnamese can engage in English conversations.

Singapore and the Philippines stand out as Southeast Asia's leading English-speaking countries, renowned for their high proficiency rates. Both countries are popular tourist destinations, partly due to the widespread use of English.

Vidya Amalia R

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