
Singapore sees record demand for engineering and tech jobs in 2025
Singapore sees record demand for engineering and tech jobs in 2025
- In 2025, nearly half of job vacancies in Singapore were newly created positions at 49.3 percent, indicating strong business expansion.
- The demand for AI-related jobs surged, highlighting a shift in hiring practices that favor skills over qualifications.
- Overall, Singapore's labor market in 2025 demonstrates a complex interplay of increased vacancies, skill demand, and emerging roles.
Story
In Singapore, the labor market in 2025 showcased a significant increase in job vacancies due to the global AI boom, with newly created positions contributing nearly half of all job openings. This shift from 45.7 percent in 2024 to 49.3 percent in 2025 indicates not just replacement hiring but also business expansion. The report from global HR firm Deel identified that Singapore had a keen interest in roles such as AI trainers, and the nation emerged as the leading employer of AI trainers within the Asia-Pacific region, surpassing larger markets. The demand for AI skills reflects a broader trend where hiring decisions are increasingly made based on skills rather than formal qualifications. Notably, the unemployment rate among younger Singaporeans and permanent residents slightly rose to 5.8 percent by December 2025, which aligns with the last recorded figure seen in March 2024. Meanwhile, over 31 percent of vacancies were for positions requiring no prior experience, suggesting a favorable job market for fresh graduates and new entrants. Entry-level jobs, especially in the health and social services sectors, represented a significant portion of openings, with 54.4 percent attributed to fields like nursing and education. Advances in remote work capabilities were also evident, as vacancies permitting remote work dramatically increased from 14.1 percent in 2024 to 22.7 percent in 2025. This shows a growing acceptance of flexible work environments, which may appeal to the younger workforce. However, while the overall hiring climate improved, certain specialized roles like data scientists and civil engineers continued to pose hiring challenges due to their need for specialized training. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng pointed out the importance of monitoring global situations, especially considering potential pressures connected to ongoing conflicts that might affect business costs and strategies in Singapore. The report ultimately suggests a robust labor market driven by innovation and the ongoing adaptation to changing technological landscapes, highlighting how this dynamic environment shapes the opportunities available to job seekers in 2025.