Your questions about Singapore’s 2026 industry outlook answered
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What sectors are expected to grow in Singapore’s job market in 2026?
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What skills will be most in demand for Singapore workers in 2026?
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How many jobs will recent investment create in Singapore?
Let’s start with the not-so-bad news.
In its outlook for the first quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that business expectations suggest continued expansion for the labour market, according to its advanced labour market report released in early 2026.
Preliminary data also showed that one in four employers expect to increase wages, which reflects “improving outcomes and continued competition for labour in certain areas.”
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The report also highlighted strong growth in financial services and health and social services.
According to Charles Disneur, Head of Sales and Marketing at Adecco Singapore, several other sectors are expected to maintain this momentum:
- Technology
- Green Economy
- Semiconductors
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Logistics
- AI-driven services
“These are expected to expand due to digitalisation, sustainability requirements, and sustained regional demand,” he shared.
He added that these three sectors are especially driven by firms accelerating AI adoption, productivity investments, and restructuring toward higher value activities:
- Professional & corporate services
- Renewable energy
- Data centre infrastructure
For jobseekers and mid-career professionals, this signals opportunity — particularly in roles that combine digital capability with sector-specific expertise.
Skills, skills, skills is the mantra for 2026
MOM’s report showed that firms will continue to expand cautiously, though very cautiously.
This aligns with the broader outlook observed by Charles as well, who said: “Hiring sentiment is selective, skills driven, and efficiency focused, with firms favouring targeted recruitment, contract roles, and productivity-oriented hiring rather than broad headcount growth.”
Given this trend, employers in growth sectors will increasingly prioritise AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud, automation, green skills, and digital sustainability as core competencies across multiple sectors.
Domain-specific expertise in these areas will also see heightened demand:
- Semiconductor engineering
- Biotech R&D
- Advanced manufacturing
- ESG analytics
- Multidisciplinary tech business skills (e.g. product, risk, compliance)
Charles elaborated that macro trends in ASEAN – an ageing population driving healthcare and medtech, and heightened activity in the semiconductor industry as ASEAN’s expanding supply chains — could see an increased premium put on workers who are future-ready.
Referencing an Adecco report, he identified three core skills — being adaptable, tech-savvy, and proactive — remain key for employees to maximise their career potential.
Ultimately, this is the mindset which allows employees to embrace new technologies and opportunities, and shine in the workplace of the future.
Workers who proactively build these competencies — through certifications, project exposure or cross-functional roles — are likely to remain competitive in a more selective hiring environment.
If you’re interested in learning more, the SkillsFuture Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report will help further provide reference on key skills for jobs of tomorrow!
Investments in Singapore: what jobs will they create?
According to a report by the Straits Times, EDB chairman Png Cheong Boon also revealed recently that investment commitments made in Singapore in 2025 are expected to create 15,700 jobs over the next five years.
Of the jobs created, 40% will be in services, 37% in manufacturing, and the remaining 23% in research and development (R&D) and innovation, and most of the roles will be for professionals, managers, executives and technicians.
EDB managing director Jermaine Loy acknowledged that companies are usually more conservative in their projections given the current economic climate. There could also be “some structural shifts at play, given higher automation and digitalisation across industries.”
But he added that with about two-thirds of the roles paying a gross monthly wage above $5,000, “the jobs expected to be created are good, high-value jobs that will offer meaningful career pathways for Singaporeans.”
Charles believes that these companies making big investments in Singapore will aim to strengthen supply chain resilience, build advanced manufacturing capability, scale R&D and innovation, and anchor regional HQ or AI-driven operations.
As such, they will be looking to hire for roles in services, manufacturing, and R&D, and seek workers with skills in:
- AI engineering
- Sustainability
- Precision manufacturing
- Biotech
- Product development
- Next-generation technologies aligned with semiconductor and green economy growth
Ultimately, if you’re looking to read the tea leaves for 2026, it’s likely that labour market conditions will remain tight, as demand remains strong in relation to supply.
According to the Singapore Business Federation’s National Business Survey, multi-national corporations (MNCs) have shown a more optimistic outlook compared to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and while AI is reshaping the labour market, its specific impact remains uncertain.
But keep reskilling and upskilling and the winds should still keep blowing your way, career wise!
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