Singapore: News and Jobs Guide

Singapore's economy maintains robust growth.

The city-state continues to solidify its position as a global hub for business and innovation, attracting significant investments and top talent. The employment rate stands at a strong 78%, while the unemployment rate is low at 1.93%, indicating a competitive and tight labour market where skilled professionals are in high demand . This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Singapore's dynamic job market, examining current trends, high-growth industries, the critical skills in demand, and the government frameworks supporting workforce development. It is designed to offer job seekers, employers, and policymakers detailed insights to navigate the evolving economic landscape, which is characterized by digital transformation, a focus on lifelong learning, and ongoing global uncertainties.

Current Trends

The labour market shows positive yet moderated growth. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the number of employed residents grew by 8,800 in 2024, a reversal from a decline of 4,600 in the previous year . This growth was concentrated in higher-skilled sectors, signalling a shift towards a more knowledge-intensive economy. Key drivers include digital transformation across all industries, evolving global economic conditions, and comprehensive business transformation initiatives .

Hiring sentiment among companies has improved noticeably. Forward-looking polls by MOM in December 2024 revealed that 46% of companies expect to hire more workers, an increase from 43% in September of the same year . Furthermore, 32% of companies plan to raise wages, double the proportion from the previous quarter, reflecting cautious optimism in the near-term business outlook . This suggests supportive conditions for job seekers despite global headwinds.

The market faces a tightening supply of local talent. Resident employment growth is projected to slow in the long term as the resident labour force participation rate is already high by international standards . This means the remaining pool of available resident workers is limited. Consequently, businesses are increasingly focused on securing talent with specialised skillsets, and there is a continued growth in non-resident employment as economic agencies attract investments and global talent to strengthen Singapore's role as a global hub .

Industry Analysis

Financial and insurance services are major hiring sectors. This industry was a standout performer, adding 5,300 jobs in 2024 . As a key pillar of Singapore's economy, contributing significantly to GDP, the sector's demand is driven by Singapore's status as a global financial hub. It continues to seek professionals with expertise in fintech, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Health and social services show sustained demand. This sector added 5,200 jobs in 2024, underscoring the growing needs of an aging population and a heightened focus on social support systems . Roles in healthcare, nursing, therapy, and social work remain critical, with steady demand expected to continue.

Professional services offer diverse opportunities. This broad sector, which includes legal, consulting, and accounting services, grew by 5,000 jobs . Companies in these fields are hiring people with strong analytical, strategic, and client management skills, which are highly transferable across various industries .

Information and communications technology is a growth engine. The ICT sector added 4,200 jobs in 2024 and is at the heart of Singapore's digital economy . Skilled workers in this field, particularly in areas like AI and cybersecurity, are in high demand, and the industry has a high re-entry rate for retrenched workers due to a significant shortage of talent .

Advanced manufacturing remains a key employer. The manufacturing sector is growing at 5% annually and is a top industry for job opportunities . Within this sector, electronics and petrochemicals are particularly prominent, employing a substantial 25% of the workforce and offering robust growth potential .

Workforce and Skills

Digital skills are now fundamental for employability. The rapid pace of technological innovation means that foundational AI and digital skills are becoming essential across all industries, not just technology roles . This shift highlights the importance of not just what to learn, but how to learn, with tools like ChatGPT becoming integral to daily operations .

AI and machine learning expertise are highly sought after. The AI revolution is transforming Singapore's tech scene, with 94% of employers expecting to become AI-driven by 2028 . AI skills can boost salaries by over 25%, and despite 80% of employers seeking AI talent, 74% struggle to find qualified candidates, indicating a major skills gap . Roles like AI Scientist and Data Scientist are in particularly high demand.

Cybersecurity skills are critical for business integrity. The cybersecurity market in Singapore has tripled since 2015, reaching SGD 1.7 billion, with each security breach costing companies around SGD 1.7 million on average . With a reported 69.4% increase in scam-related cybercrimes in the first half of 2023, professionals who understand cloud security, risk management, and defense strategies are desperately needed .

Data science and analytics drive business decisions. The ability to interpret and analyze large datasets is essential for businesses to make informed decisions in areas like predictive modeling and customer behavior analysis . Data skills are highly transferable, and professionals with these capabilities are pivotal in optimizing operations across finance, healthcare, and logistics.

Skills can be categorized by demand and transferability. The Skills Demand for the Future Economy report introduces a Skills Matrix, categorizing skills into In-demand, Up-and-coming, Niche, and Transferable quadrants . For example, Effective Client Communication is a top skill that is both high in demand and transferability, while a skill like Child Safety and Protection is more specialized and niche . Understanding this landscape helps workers prioritize learning for career resilience.

Salary Insights

Salaries are rising in high-growth tech roles. For technology professionals, salary increases of 5.8% are expected in 2025 . Specific roles command high premiums; AI Scientists can earn between SGD 130,000 to SGD 200,000 annually, while Data Scientists have a salary range of approximately SGD 120,000 to SGD 180,000 . Cybersecurity professionals are also well-compensated, with salaries ranging from SGD 120,000 to SGD 180,000 .

Job mobility often leads to significant pay increases. Professionals who change jobs can often see salary jumps of 12% to 15%, with some receiving up to 20% more in high-demand areas like AI and cybersecurity . In contrast, those who remain in their current roles can typically expect a more modest pay increase of 2% to 5% .

Multiple factors influence overall compensation. An employee's salary is influenced by their job function, experience, education level, and specific skill sets . The company’s budget and compensation policies, the state of the economy, and the industry's health also play significant roles. Positions critical to revenue growth and those requiring specialized skills typically offer higher earning potential .

Salary negotiation is a standard part of the process. Employers often expect candidates to negotiate, and being prepared is key to securing a better package . Success in negotiation relies on thorough research into average salaries for the role, being flexible to consider the entire benefits package, and confidently articulating one's value based on skills and experience .

Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence is a core transformative force. Singapore's AI market is projected to grow at 28.10% annually, reaching US$4.64 billion by 2030 . The demand for AI specialists has surged by 40%, and industries are rapidly adopting AI-powered tools for everything from recruitment to operational efficiency, with AI able to predict job performance with 85% accuracy .

Cybersecurity technology is evolving rapidly. The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $190.4 billion in 2023 to $298.5 billion by 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing tech sectors . In Singapore, this is driven by the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the critical need to protect digital assets in a leading financial center.

Cloud computing forms the backbone of IT. Cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are fundamental to modern IT infrastructure . Professionals with expertise in managing, optimizing, and securing cloud environments are increasingly sought after as more businesses migrate their operations to the cloud.

Blockchain is gaining traction beyond cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology is revolutionizing finance, supply chains, and digital identity verification due to its secure and decentralized nature . Its application is becoming more widespread, creating demand for development skills in these areas.

The Internet of Things connects the Smart Nation. IoT is integral to Singapore's Smart Nation vision, connecting devices and sensors to streamline urban living and industrial processes . This technology is creating new roles and demanding new skill sets related to connected devices and data flow.

Challenges

A significant talent shortage persists in tech.

There is a stark mismatch between demand and supply for specialized skills. For instance, 80% of employers are seeking AI talent, but 74% struggle to find qualified candidates . Similarly, there is a reported shortage of around 3,400 cybersecurity experts in Singapore, creating a pressing challenge for businesses .

Global uncertainties create market volatility. The employment growth for 2025 is expected to be slower due to global uncertainties and market volatility, which moderate business confidence and hiring plans . This requires both companies and workers to remain agile and adaptable to shifting economic conditions.

Employee expectations are evolving rapidly. Businesses are grappling with evolving employee expectations, including a strong preference for flexible work arrangements . The tension between in-office mandates and hybrid work preferences presents a challenge for retention, with 82% of professionals prioritizing flexible working hours .

The workforce requires widespread reskilling. As technologies like AI and automation replace routine tasks, a substantial portion of the workforce needs to update their skills. It is estimated that about 50% of all employees will need reskilling in 2025, a massive undertaking for the entire ecosystem .

Government Policies

The SkillsFuture initiative promotes lifelong learning.

A cornerstone of Singapore's workforce strategy, SkillsFuture provides citizens with credits to pursue courses and skills development . The initiative includes the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP), which is specifically designed to help mid-career individuals switch to new industries or job roles.

The MyCareersFuture portal offers data-driven career guidance.

The government has enhanced this portal with features like CareersFinder, a beta tool that provides personalised job and skills insights . It analyses a user's profile to recommend new career opportunities and suitable training programmes, helping Singaporeans make informed career decisions.

The COMPASS framework promotes fair employment.

The Comprehensive Framework for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (COMPASS) is driving greater local hiring . This framework not only promotes employment fairness but also supports the hiring of citizens and permanent residents, thereby fostering a more inclusive workforce.

Institutes of Higher Learning are expanding continuing education.

IHLs have launched 54 new courses under the SCTP this year to support mid-career individuals . These programmes, which cover emerging areas like AI and immersive media, are part of a collaborative effort to ensure the curriculum remains rigorous, relevant, and responsive to industry needs .

Career Advice

Cultivate in-demand digital and AI skills.

Professionals should focus on developing digital skills, automation expertise, and strong problem-solving capabilities . Specialised knowledge in cybersecurity, cloud computing, ESG principles, and business analytics will help candidates stand out and provide a competitive edge .

Adopt a mindset of continuous learning.

In a rapidly evolving job market, professionals must commit to lifelong learning . This can be achieved through certifications, hands-on projects, and leveraging government programmes like SkillsFuture to stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies .

Leverage transferable skills for career pivots.

For those considering a career change, it is important to identify and highlight transferable skills. Strategic planning, data analysis, and client relationship management are highly adaptable competencies that translate well to emerging roles in fintech, consulting, and other digital growth areas.

Research salary benchmarks before negotiating.

Before entering salary discussions, job seekers should research the market value for their position using reliable salary guides . During negotiations, it is important to be confident, articulate one's value, and consider the entire compensation package, including benefits and flexible work options .

Education and Training

Bite-sized micro-credentials are growing in popularity. Recognising the needs of working adults, universities like NUS are developing bite-sized micro-credentials that are stackable and more appealing to professionals seeking targeted learning without committing to long-term programmes.

Coding bootcamps offer practical pathways into tech.

For aspiring tech professionals, coding bootcamps provide an intensive, practical pathway to gain relevant skills in areas like web development and full-stack programming . These are often more accessible and affordable than traditional degrees.

University programmes are refreshed for industry relevance.

Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) are continually refreshing their existing Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes and introducing new courses to ensure they impart in-demand skills that employers are looking for .

Government subsidies make upskilling more accessible. Programmes like the SkillsFuture initiative, which provides credits for courses, and the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA), make it financially easier for individuals to upskill and reskill, thereby lowering the barrier to entry into fields like AI and data science .

Future Outlook

Tech sector hiring is poised for significant expansion.

Sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, finance, and advanced manufacturing are poised for significant growth, which will drive substantial hiring . Advanced manufacturing and robotics alone are projected to generate over 25,000 new roles.

AI integration will become ubiquitous across industries.

The adoption of AI will continue to deepen, with 95% of companies planning to use generative AI tools within five years . Employers expect AI to boost productivity by 44%, ensuring that AI literacy will become a fundamental requirement for a wide range of professions, not just technical ones .

Flexible and contract work will become more common. The nature of work is shifting, with about 30% of tech professionals expected to be working on contracts by 2025 . This model offers flexibility for both companies and workers and aligns with the preferences of the next generation of tech workers for dynamic project-based work.

Skills will remain the primary currency for workers.

The future labour market will be increasingly focused on skills, with companies prioritizing demonstrable abilities over formal qualifications alone . This trend opens doors for self-taught developers and bootcamp graduates, emphasizing the enduring value of proven competency and a proactive learning attitude.

Conclusion

Singapore's job market is dynamic and knowledge-driven.

The landscape is characterized by strong growth in high-skilled sectors like financial services, technology, and healthcare, fueled by digital transformation and strategic government policies. While global uncertainties present challenges, the overall hiring sentiment is positive, with companies planning to increase wages and headcount.

Continuous learning is essential for career resilience.

The rapid advancement of technologies like AI and cybersecurity has created a pressing need for professionals to engage in lifelong upskilling. The widespread availability of programmes through SkillsFuture and Institutes of Higher Learning provides accessible pathways for individuals to remain competitive.

Adaptability and specialized skills are key to success.

Job seekers who cultivate in-demand digital skills, understand their transferable competencies, and stay informed about salary benchmarks will be best positioned to thrive. The future outlook for Singapore's workforce is one of opportunity for those who are proactive, agile, and committed to mastering the skills that will drive the economy forward.