Software developers rank as Singapore’s third most sought-after job

Data released on Dec. 30 from the Ministry of Manpower job vacancy and labor market surveys showed that professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMET) accounted for more than half of all job openings, a share that remains high compared with a decade ago.

Teaching and training professionals topped the PMET list in 2025, while software, web and multimedia developers placed third.

As Singapore moves to deepen its adoption of artificial intelligence and digital tools, demand for specialized skill sets, including AI governance and machine learning, is expected to grow, Channel News Asia reported.

Industry observers said the trend reflects a growing premium placed on future-ready skills. "Skills are the new currency of the labour market," said Dhilip Kumar, head of strategic talent partnerships for Southeast Asia at Aon Consulting, adding that teaching and software development highlight the need to build long-term talent pipelines.

A person coding on laptop. Photo from Pexels

Kumar said competition for talent is likely to remain intense in 2026, particularly in sustainability, healthcare and AI governance. Demand for roles in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data risk and compliance will continue to grow as companies, especially in finance, expand automation and cloud adoption, he added.

A recent report by The Straits Times found that software engineers in Singapore are less likely than their global peers to lose their jobs to AI, citing strong government support and the country’s proximity to major tech firms. However, recruiters said competition within the tech sector is intensifying, with companies creating new positions and seeking more professionals with expertise in AI governance and cybersecurity, amid a shortage of such specialists.

Human resource consultants estimate demand for these roles has risen by about 5 to 10 percent year-on-year. To attract talent, firms are willing to pay up to 20 percent more for AI-related roles than for general tech positions, with annual salaries ranging from S$110,000 (US$85,600) to S$210,000.

Singapore is home to about 4,500 tech firms, including regional operations of global companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. The government aims to build a workforce of 15,000 AI professionals by 2029, supporting the goal through apprenticeships, scholarships, reskilling programs, and public-private partnerships.

Industry players cautioned, however, that more may be needed to sustain the city-state’s AI ambitions. David Leong, managing director of recruitment firm PeopleWorldwide Consulting, said Singapore’s current graduate output may be insufficient, pointing to China’s larger and faster-expanding AI talent pipeline.

"For Singapore to catch up right in terms of having sufficient talent ... we have to be open to hiring more of such talent," Leong said.