Top 5 English Speaking Countries in Asia

In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 English speaking countries in Asia. If you want to read our discussion on the market for English language learning, you can go directly to the Top 12 English Speaking Countries in Asia.

5. South Korea

English Proficiency Index Score: 537 

South Korea, situated on the Korean Peninsula and sharing borders with North Korea, is recognized for its rich culture, advanced technology, and attractive cities. The tourist-dense areas of the country have a high number of English speakers. With a population of around 51.7 million, approximately 25-30% of South Korea’s residents can speak English.

4. Hong Kong

English Proficiency Index Score: 561 

Owing to its colonial history, an impressive 46% of the population in Hong Kong can communicate in English, and a significant portion is even fluent in the language. English is widely spoken across various areas, including social gatherings, courts, restaurants, businesses, and stores. Many schools in Hong Kong have also adopted English as the medium of instruction.

3. Malaysia

English Proficiency Index Score: 574 

Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, has a rich culture. A significant portion of the country’s population speaks Malay, which is the primary language, followed by English, serving as the second official language. Around 72.2% of the population in Malaysia can communicate in English, either fluently or to some extent. Realizing the language’s global importance, the Malaysian government has mandated English as a compulsory subject in schools.

2. Philippines

English Proficiency Index Score: 578 

The Philippines is widely recognized for its proficiency in the English language. Alongside the Filipino language, English is also a primary language in the country. Approximately 48.8% of the population in the Philippines can speak English fluently or to some extent.

1. Singapore

English Proficiency Index Score: 642 

Singapore, located in Southeast Asia, has four official languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Malay is the country’s national language. Around 63.8% of Singapore’s population speaks English well or to some extent.