Hiring in Singapore is likely to see stable and modest growth in 2019, with top jobs in demand to be analytical and data-driven in nature, according to the latest salary survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters. These include data scientists, product management, user experience designers, and digital roles. Cybersecurity will remain a major focus, in the wake of recent high-profile cyber-attacks in Singapore, says the report. Job movers in Singapore can expect pay increments of five percent to 15 percent in 2019, and larger hikes can be expected for candidates with specialized skill sets in IT, digital and financial services, finds the report.

The survey predicts an evolution of hiring needs, especially in more established Southeast Asian markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, as the region is set to maintain dynamic growth next year.  The survey noted that robust growth in maturing economies (Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) in Southeast Asia is expected to continue.

IT specialists in the niche areas of cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence remain in high demand, as well as digital experts beyond the technology sector.  

Local talent will continue to be in demand, while an increasing trend of businesses seeking out overseas expansion opportunities has propelled interest for “glocal” talent, or local talent with international experience.  

2019 predictions for Singapore 

Riding on increased hiring activity in 2018 in key sectors, especially financial services and information technology, the hiring outlook for Singapore is likely to see stable growth. Talent with strong industry expertise and the relevant digital skills will be highly sought after. Top jobs in demand in 2019 will be analytical and data-driven in nature, such as data scientists, product management, UX designers, and digital roles. 

Cybersecurity will remain a major focus, with rising concerns in the wake of recent high-profile cyber attacks within the country. As organizations advance their digital transformations, tech giants expand and enter the local market and tech start-ups grow, the demand for IT professionals will increase. Specialists with skills and experience in analytics, applications, data science, the Internet of Things and cybersecurity will be in high demand. 

HR professionals with strong experience in HR technologies, as well as talent acquisition professionals for the technology sector will also be of interest. 

Hiring levels for jobs in financial services will remain positive, with a continued focus on technical and commercial skillsets. Demand will be high for skilled contracting professionals, trade finance professionals in corporate banking, investment and research analysts, and IT professionals in the financial services sector. 

Across all industries, senior-level professionals who can use their expertise to drive business objectives will be in high demand.   

The accounting and finance sector will see a demand for professionals with tax compliance and change management expertise. Skillsets in demand include a strong technical understanding and familiarity of regulatory rules, stakeholder engagement, and management skills. In the engineering sector, more jobs are expected to emerge as oil and gas prices recover. Strong demand is anticipated for professionals in the semiconductor, medical devices, consumer electronics and manufacturing industries, especially in the Research & Development departments. 

Hiring immediately available candidates remain challenging, even as the contracting market in Singapore has matured in recent years. Professionals with niche skillsets in IT, accounting & finance, will be in short supply on a contract basis.