In 2025, 83% of employers in Singapore report difficulty finding the skilled talent they need, increasing 4% from 2024’s survey (79%). This figure has doubled since 2019 (41%).
Employers in the Transport, Logistics, and Automotive sector face the most difficulty finding skilled talent (91%), followed by Communication Services (90%), and Information Technology (88%).
SINGAPORE (23 JANUARY 2025) – Even as employers in Singapore maintain cautiously optimistic approach towards hiring in Q1 2025, rising talent shortages present a significant challenge to recruitment efforts, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Global Talent Shortage Survey.
Despite a stable hiring demand (a Net Employment Outlook of +25%), 83% report difficulty finding the skilled talent they need in 2025, increasing 4% from 2024’s survey (79%). This figure has doubled since pre-COVID-19 (2019: 41%).
To address the ongoing talent scarcity, employers in Singapore are focusing on three main actions, including upskilling & reskilling current employees (39%), increasing wages (28%), and targeting new talent pools (27%).
“Singapore has long grappled with falling birth rates and a rapidly ageing population which cumulates in a shrinking workforce. Coupled with factors such as rapid technological advancements demanding specialized skills, and a widening gap between available skills and employer needs, talent shortage has seen a significant increase since 2019,” says Ms. Linda Teo, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore. "This underscores the need for employers to adapt by investing in upskilling and targeting new talent pools to navigate talent scarcity and remain competitive.”
Key Findings:
Majority of sectors in Singapore see an increase in talent shortage in 2025: Employers in six of nine sectors report experiencing more talent scarcity than a year ago.
Talent shortage most acute in Transport, Logistics, and Automotive sector: Those in the Transport, Logistics, and Automotive sector report the most difficulty finding skilled talent (91%), followed by Communication Services (90%), and Information Technology (88%).
IT & Data skills continue to be the most difficult to find: The top three skills employers in Singapore report as the most difficult to find are IT & Data (38%), Engineering (28%), and Operations & Logistics (23%).
Skills related to ESG and green economy remain in demand: Demand for Sustainability/Environmental skills and ESG Risk/Advisory/Governance skills form a collective 41%.
Top skills demanded in 2025 | Top skills demanded in 2024 |
1. IT & Data 2. Engineering 3. Operations & Logistics 4. Sustainability & Environmental 5. Sales & Marketing 6. ESG/Advisory Risk, & Governance 7. Human Resources 8. Manufacturing & Production 9. Administration & Office Support 10. Front Office & Customer-Facing | 1. IT & Data 2. Engineering 3. Sustainability & Environmental 4. ESG/Advisory Risk, & Governance 5. Operations & Logistics 6. Sales & Marketing 7. Manufacturing & Production 8. Front Office & Customer-Facing 9. Administration & Office Support 10. Human Resources |
“Within the Transport, Logistics, and Automotive sector, shifts in trade routes along with the normalization of shipments transiting Singapore drove hiring intentions to an all-time high in Q1 2025, leading to the increase in demand for talent with strong operations and logistics skills," says Ms. Teo. “Rapid advancements in technology create a constant demand for specialized IT and data skills. With more companies investing in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, demand outpaces the ability of traditional education and training programs to keep up.”
She further comments, "In line with growing demand for action to address climate change, skills related to sustainability and environmental is likely to continue remaining high as employers search for the talent they need to achieve their sustainability goals.”
To view the full Singapore Findings of the 2025 Talent Shortage Survey, visit: www.manpowergroup.com.sg/talent-shortage-2025.