Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Singapore

The talent shortage in Singapore is quite noticeable, as 83% of companies confirm they have difficulty hiring the right skilled individuals. The current skill shortage impacts several business leaders in Singapore. Several areas, such as data science, medicine, and FinTech, lack trained professionals. 

Amidst the shortage, as per the current needs, the country needs to hire 1.2 million workers with digital skills by 2025. This staggering requirement for skilled professionals will keep the country in competition with the rest of the world. Most companies are looking for technical skills as well as individuals who are adaptable to the changing needs of the future. 

In addition, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 expects companies to be sustainable while focusing on economic growth. This has increased green jobs substantially. As a result, organizations are looking for candidates who have environmental sustainability skills.

Key Aspects of Singapore Work Culture

Work culture in Singapore is a mix of traditional values and modern trends, influenced by the multicultural orientation and global influence. Some important aspects that define the workplace environment in the country are these:

• Emphasis on hard work and discipline: Singaporeans are proud of their work ethic. There is an emphasis on discipline and productivity, with employees often striving for high standards and meeting deadlines effectively.
• Multicultural Environment: People from different ethnic and national backgrounds make workplaces in Singapore truly diverse. This creates collaboration, inclusiveness, and a rich exchange of ideas, making it a dynamic place to work.
• Respect for Workplace Hierarchies: An important aspect of the professional environment in Singapore is hierarchies. This allows clear roles and responsibilities along with respect for authority to make it run smoothly and enable easy decision-making.
• Workplace Safety: The Ministry of Manpower has created stringent regulations to keep a workplace safe and healthy. Thus, this guarantees the workers can perform their jobs without a problem or threat.

Which Skills are In-Demand in Singapore?

Singapore continues to grow in various sectors, such as healthcare, banking, and hospitality. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for skilled professionals in these sectors. However, due to skill shortages, many industries are unable to hire the right talent for the positions. 

Upskilling and professional networking are a few ways companies and individuals can fill up this skill gap and get better jobs. Keep reading as we discuss the skills in demand in Singapore.

1. Engineering Skills

As per the Morgan McKinley 2024 salary guide, 76% of technology hiring managers claimed hiring engineers to be very competitive. The demand for engineers in different job profiles has increased, whether it’s entry-level or high-level jobs. 

Some of the most common jobs include L3 developer, engineering SME, full stack, and automation testing engineer. The managers are looking for skills like Java, GCP, Python, DotNet core with Azure, and API development. Having these skills will help individuals get hired for these roles.

2. AI Skills

As per Rakuten's research, more than one-third (39%) of the survey participants (business decision makers in Singapore) are facing difficulty hiring AI experts. Artificial Intelligence experts are among the most in-demand positions in Singapore's job market. There has been an exponential growth of AI and machine learning across industries. 

It has changed how many businesses operate. Even Singapore’s National AI strategy is to triple the AI workforce. They need AI specialists who can use the power of algorithms and analyze massive datasets for better efficiency.

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“Most Singaporeans and PRs believe that the way they do their work today will change dramatically in the next 5 to 10 years and that reskilling will be necessary to remain employable. Having a growth mindset with the confidence that you can adapt is a critical attitude for change."

Results-orient Learning Consultant/Coach
Tat Yuen.

3. Hospitality Skills

There has been immense growth in Singapore's hospitality and tourism industry, even with a noticeable skills gap. A survey reveals that 4 in 5 tourism leaders are prioritizing the hiring of professionals with expertise in customer service, communication, language proficiency, and effective delegation to meet evolving industry demands. For aspiring professionals, developing skills in these areas can significantly enhance their job prospects and career growth in this dynamic sector.

4. Data Science Skills

Over the last few years, more than forty data centers have been opened in Singapore, becoming the fourth largest market for internet data centers in the Asia-Pacific. This has led to an increase in data science professionals. To be exact, it is one of the top 5 in-demand skills in the region, as per the Robert Half Salary Guide.

Companies are relying more on data analytics for a competitive edge. So, they are keen on hiring skilled Data Scientists who can work on predictive models and advanced analytics tools. Their main goal is to hire experts who can extract insights from big data sets and use them across industries to help towards innovation and growth.

5. FinTech Skills

There has been a high demand for FinTech Talent in Singapore, as per the Singapore FinTech Association and PwC Singapore. About 94% of survey participants wish to expand their current workforce within the next twelve months. Moreover, 28% are focusing on doubling the headcount in the next 3 years. 

Over the years, FinTech has also evolved, requiring skills in programming languages like Python and familiarity with blockchain. Some major roles to fill include data analytics, software development, and assistance in banking compliance.

6. Medical Skills

Nine in ten healthcare leaders in Singapore agree that there is a shortage of healthcare workers. The growing focus on preventative medicine, combined with the challenges of an aging population, has significantly increased the demand for healthcare professionals. Singapore is also a hub for medical tourism, hence increasing the need for nurses, doctors, and healthcare consultants even more. 

Since there has also been a shift in technology and administrative work, employers are demanding transferable skills. Alongside medical expertise, the ability to operate new technologies has become a crucial part of the in-demand skill set.

7. Human Resource Skills

Organizations in Singapore are growing, and the need for HR business partners and workers is also increasing. While there is a skill gap in other sectors, HRs help bridge that gap and talent acquisition. Moreover, they help retain talent, follow labor laws and help employees adjust to the country. 

Singapore is already short on human resources with the aging population. This has made companies switch to global hires for workforce planning and talent management. Timely hires can elevate the risk of the workforce shrinking and removing competitive hiring in various sectors.

8. Cybersecurity Skills 

With the rise in cyberattack threats, several companies find it necessary to hire cybersecurity analysts and experts to protect their networks and systems. There is also a rise in digital data and cloud storage, requiring cybersecurity skills to analyze and fight the threat. 

According to Fortinet's 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 80% of Singapore organizations find cybersecurity skill shortages to be a risk to their data. These companies are actively looking for the right professionals to handle various networks, sensitive information, and systems. The end goal is to protect the system from potential breaches. 

9. Driving Skills

In a The Straits Times interview, a WTS Travel spokesman said – “At least 50 percent of the travel agency’s coaches are currently not in operation due to a “tremendous” shortage of drivers.” The reason is a skill shortage and the long waiting period to get certified as a driver. Both local and foreign drivers are unable to get certified, hence adding to the current skill shortage. 

Despite the pandemic being over, the tourism sector has not geared up due to the shortage of tour bus drivers. Getting the right government certification and work permit requirements can help boost the number in this sector.  

10. Environmental Sustainability Skills

Over 92% of organizations in Singapore lack the necessary talent to meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. As the Singapore government emphasizes sustainable business practices, this high number is concerning. 

The Singapore Green Plan 2030 focuses on sustainable development in the next ten years. There are plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Organizations are acknowledging the need to reduce their environmental impact and adopting green practices. 

Besides, green jobs are developing across different sectors, like renewables and transportation. Sustainability management is among the most sought-after skills as the country actively moves towards more environmentally friendly practices.

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“We have to develop a long-term climate action plan to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. This plan will span several generations to protect Singapore and our children.”

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Singapore
Ms Grace Fu.

How to Improve Your Skills for Singapore’s Job Market

The Singapore government offers various vocational courses and programs for skill enhancement. Here are some of them to improve your skills for your dream job: 

• IDP Singapore : IDP has been a global education provider for over 50 years. Enhance your skills with IDP Singapore vocational skills in media, occupational health, hospitality, and manufacturing, to name a few. Choose from diploma, advanced diploma, and vocational graduate certificate, depending on your course duration. IDP vocational education and training is ideal for those who want a quick career change based on current demands. 

• Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ): SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is a government agency that has been focusing on implementing the national SkillsFuture movement. It is a national credential system that offers skills certification, diplomas, and training to the workforce. There are several WSQ-accredited courses for skill development in different job roles. You may choose the course on its relevance to your current skills or pick a new skill. Some courses include crisis management, data visualization and customer management.

• Vocational and Industrial Training Board (VITB): VITB has been providing training since 1979, helping individuals and companies to upskill with a series of modules. Find out courses related to computers, precision engineering, applied physics, fabrication, and programming. You may also check out the online resources for National Library Online, archives, and collections to learn more. 

Conclusion

Singapore's job market is growing, keeping technology and sustainability in mind. Moreover, it’s about preparing for the current technical demands while paying attention to future needs. In-demand skills include healthcare, AI, data science, and cybersecurity, to name a few. Vocational training in these areas can help a candidate fit the job needs. 

Besides, many organizations also aim to enhance their teams with new skill sets. Choosing the right upskilling partner that fits the needs of the organization is necessary. New skills can also elevate the confidence of the team to succeed in more areas. 

For organizations that need a reliable partner, Edstellar offers several industry-focused courses for skill development. Moreover, Edstellar has tools like the Skill Matrix for easy gap analysis for choosing tailored executive coaching.