The technology industry in Singapore demonstrates remarkable resilience as it enters 2025, following a challenging 2024 characterised by global economic headwinds and significant organisational restructuring across the sector. Despite the restructuring, there remains skills and talent shortages in the technology industry, as companies continue to evolve their products and solutions to meet future requirements.
Despite these challenges, Singapore continues to strengthen its position as Southeast Asia's leading technology hub. We're seeing a distinct shift in hiring priorities, with tech companies focusing their recruitment efforts on strategic positions and emerging technology domains.
This measured recovery signals a more measured approach to talent acquisition, with employers emphasising quality over quantity in their hiring decisions.
Discover insights into Singapore's job market with Randstad's 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide. This report analyses labour trends, salary benchmarks, bonuses, and hiring patterns across industries. Download the report to improve your talent acquisition strategies and workforce planning for the upcoming year.
AI and emerging technologies reshape tech talent landscape
Singapore's technology sector is experiencing a significant shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech capabilities. The increasing adoption of AI across government agencies and financial institutions is creating robust demand for specialised talent, with a particular focus on professionals who can deliver rapid ROI through big data and machine learning initiatives.
Cybersecurity remains a critical priority, especially with the rising prevalence of online scams. The government's introduction of the ScamShield Suite is expected to drive additional recruitment in the security sector, particularly for roles focusing on fraud prevention and digital security.
We're seeing substantial investments in emerging technologies, with Singapore committing S$700 million to develop domestic quantum computing capabilities. This initiative, coupled with ongoing investments in biotechnology research and development, is creating new opportunities for specialists in these cutting-edge fields.
A notable shift in hiring patterns is emerging, with an increasing preference for contract-based roles. This trend is particularly evident among high-calibre professionals, including ONE Pass holders, who are attracted to the flexibility and specialised nature of contract work. Organisations are leveraging this shift to access specialist skills while maintaining workforce agility.
the global talent hunt: ONE pass attracts top minds
The ONE Pass initiative continues to strengthen Singapore's position as a global talent hub, with approximately 4,200 high-calibre professionals now contributing to the local tech ecosystem. These specialists often engage with multiple organisations, facilitating valuable knowledge transfer and enhancing the capabilities of local talent.
We're seeing a clear restructuring of Singapore's tech workforce. Stricter Employment Pass criteria and increasing operational costs are accelerating the relocation of operational tech roles to regional markets. Countries like Vietnam, India, and Malaysia are becoming preferred destinations for help desk support, software testing and routine technical functions, with Malaysia being particularly attractive due to its proximity and language skills.
The government maintains its proactive approach to tech sector development through strategic investments. The S$440 million Startup SG scheme demonstrates continued commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This, combined with the allocation of roughly 1% of GDP to the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, particularly in AI development for government and financial services, reinforces Singapore's position as a leading tech hub.
salary trends for technology professionals
We see the following roles being in particular demand:
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- AI Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
The tech job market is expected to stabilise and show modest growth in 2025. The Information and Communications Industry Transformation Map projects 80,000 well-paying jobs in the sector by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5% to 7% in value-added contributions. However, the era of explosive hiring is likely over, replaced by more targeted recruitment in key areas.
Average salary increases for job switches are anticipated to range from 5% to 8%, down from the 20% to 40% increments seen in previous years. Niche tech roles may command up to 20% increases, reflecting the competitive landscape for specialised skills.
download singapore’s 2025 technology job market outlook and salary guide report
Whether you're hiring for job seekers in software development, data science, or emerging areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, learn about critical talent expectations and salary ranges across technology roles and other key industries in our Singapore 2025 Job Market and Salary Guide Report.
The report examines key talent expectations as well as current industry trends and salary benchmarks in the following industries:
- Accounting and finance
- Banking and financial services
- Human resources
- Insurance
- Legal
- Manufacturing
- Sales and marketing
- Supply chain
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