Last Updated on June 13, 2025 by Chin Yi Xuan
Hey guys,
What do you think are the most important skills to have in the next 5 years?
Recently, I came across a chart online titled ‘The Core Skills of 2030‘ by the World Economic Forum.
I want to highlight the top 10 core skills from this chart – and a surprising finding that I’d like to share with you.
Table of Contents
Top 10 core skills in 2030:
- AI & Big Data: How do you implement AI in your day-to-day workflow?
- Tech Literacy: How do you adapt to ever-growing AI tools and platforms?
- Analytical Thinking: Are you able to break things down, spot logic, identify bias, and question findings from AI?
- Creative Thinking: How do you find new perspectives and angles while solving problems?
- Resilience, Flexibility & Agility: In a fast-changing world, can you adapt quickly after a setback?
- Motivation & Self-awareness: Can you manage and motivate yourself?
- Leadership & Social Influence: Are you someone people want to follow or collaborate with?
- Curiosity & Lifelong Learning: How open are you to learning and discovering new things in life – even when you are starting from zero?
- Systems Thinking: Can you see the big picture and connect insights?
- Talent Management: Can you see potential in others – and yourself?
Notice a pattern?
(1) It’s not about what ‘hard skills’ you have anymore.
Because for most things like maths, programming, designing – AI can do faster (and soon, better) than you.
In other words, these skills can’t be your edge anymore.
Crazy isn’t it? These are all the things we learned in school and university.
So, what did I discover?
(2) The people who’ll thrive in the future are people who can create ‘possibilities’.
I learned that the future belongs to people who:
- explore curiously,
- learn intentionally,
- reflect consciously,
- and never give up, regardless of setbacks
With AI, these people can pick up multiple skills faster than ever, and will produce outside-of-textbook solutions – creating unique value to the society.
The future belongs to people who create possibilities. (think: using sound and light to treat Alzheimer’s)
So, how do we prepare ourselves?
(3) You are your most valuable asset
As you think about your own path, ask yourself:
- What skill am I already growing, even without noticing?
- What’s one area I feel drawn to explore—not out of fear, but curiosity?
- What’s no longer serving me that I can gently let go of?
The most ‘future-proof’ thing isn’t a skill – but the quality of a person (you) to keep learning and evolving.
Stay curious, and happy learning!
—
p.s. For books on thinking, I recommend Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono
