With rapid advancements in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), jobs and industries are evolving at a faster pace than ever. At the same time, the digital economy, green transformation, and growing care needs are reshaping the skills employers look for.
In recognition of this, themed “Onward Together for a Better Tomorrow”, Budget 2025 focuses on empowering workers through lifelong learning and career support at every stage of life. Prime Minister Wong highlighted in his Budget Statement that Singapore’s workers must be equipped with the skills needed to stay competitive and relevant.
Aligned with this national direction, the Skills Demand for the Future Economy (SDFE) 2025 report by SkillsFuture Singapore offers timely insights. Whether you’re planning a career switch, futureproofing your current role, or preparing to return to the workforce, we’ve distilled the report for you to stay ahead in 2025.
Digital economy: Powering a data-driven world
Singapore’s digital economy is projected to contribute significantly to GDP by 2025, and demand for tech-related skills continues to surge, even in non-tech sectors.
In-demand digital skills:
- Data governance
- Customer experience management
- Market trend analysis
- Programming and coding
- System configuration management
- Software testing
- Qualitative analysis
- Embedded systems programming
As companies rely more heavily on digital tools and data insights, these skills are being adopted across marketing, finance, operations, and public sector roles alike.
Green economy: Growing roles in sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just an environmental concern — it’s a business imperative. With the Singapore Green Plan 2030 in motion, green skills are gaining momentum across engineering, consulting, and operations.
In-demand green skills:
- Sustainability management: Enables organisations to align their strategies with environmental and resource-efficiency goals.
- Sustainable engineering: Focuses on designing and managing systems with reduced environmental impact.
Although still emerging, these skills have consistently appeared in the SDFE’s “In-Demand” quadrant for the past three years, signalling stable and growing relevance.
Care economy: Blending empathy with innovation
The care sector is expanding, but with a modern twist. It now includes roles that blend emotional intelligence with digital adaptability across healthcare, education, and social services.
In-demand care skills:
- Effective client communication
- Learning and development
- Conflict management
- Continuous improvement management
- Practice supervision
- Staff communication and engagement
- Ethical and professional integrity
- Staff continuous learning
These skills are critical not only in traditional care settings but also in roles involving customer service, HR, and organisational development, where people-centred approaches are key.
Cross-sector skills: Transferable and timeless
Some skills transcend industry lines and are increasingly in demand across various roles, making them powerful assets for career mobility.
Highly transferable skills:
- Project management
- Report writing
- Volunteer programme management
- Strategy planning
- Risk assessment
These skills give individuals the flexibility to adapt, pivot roles, and respond to change, traits highly valued in today’s dynamic work environment.
Don’t just know the skills — learn the tools
Employers today aren’t just hiring for knowledge, they’re hiring for tool proficiency. The most in-demand software and platforms in 2023 include:
Top-used digital tools:
- Python
- SQL
- Java
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- AWS Cloud9
- ServiceNow
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Analytics
Proficiency in these platforms can significantly increase your value, even in roles outside the tech sector.
5 things to consider when exploring career opportunities
According to the SDFE 2025, successful career decisions are built on more than just passion or interest. Consider these five factors when evaluating your next move:
1. Wage
Consider your long-term salary progression, not just your starting salary.
2. Demand
Roles with sustained or rising demand often offer more stability and room for growth.
3. Growth
Look into sectors and functions that are projected to expand — they’ll open more doors.
4. Skills similarity
Transitions are easier when the new role overlaps with your current skill set.
5. Historical transitions
Use data to understand real examples of people who successfully made similar moves.
You can explore all these insights through the Skills and Job Mobility Dashboard, which maps 146 high-mobility job roles.
Where to get support: Programmes and tools to help you succeed
Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) offer comprehensive tools and programmes to help Singaporeans build relevant skills and explore new career paths:
Jobs-Skills Portal
A one-stop platform featuring skills dashboards, job trends, and tools used across industries — helping you make informed decisions.
Career advisory and coaching
Professional coaches offer guidance tailored to your strengths, career stage, and industry aspirations.
SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme
Structured training with industry-recognised certifications and employment facilitation for mid-career switchers.
Career Conversion Programmes
Mid-career professionals can benefit from hands-on training and employer support when transitioning to a new industry.
CareersFinder
An AI-powered tool on MyCareersFuture that recommends jobs and courses based on your skills and interests — a great way to uncover roles you might not have considered.
The future of work starts with you
The SDFE 2025 report is clear: your future employability depends not just on what job you’re in, but what skills you bring to the table. Whether you’re diving into digital, joining the sustainability movement, or championing people-first roles, the opportunities are there — and the support is, too.
Don’t wait for change to find you. Take the first step now to shape the career you want tomorrow.
