Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day Rally speech underscored the importance of embracing advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to navigate Singapore’s digital economy and competitive job market. Vic Sithasanan, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the trends observed on Jobstreet’s platform.
Jobstreet’s data indicates a significant decline in entry-level positions and overall job postings since 2022, with a 22% drop in 2023 and a further 16% decrease in 2024. This trend continued with a 1% decline in 2025, attributed to global uncertainties and cautious hiring practices. The Ministry of Manpower’s Labour Market Report for Q1 2025 also noted a slight 2% rise in unemployment.
Despite these challenges, demand for AI skills is surging. Entry-level postings requiring AI skills on Jobstreet increased by 40% in H1 2025 compared to the previous year. Sectors such as information and communication technology, sales, banking, and manufacturing are leading this growth. Sithasanan noted, “There is a growing demand for tech-savvy talent at the start of the career ladder.”
Jobstreet’s Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report found that 54% of businesses consider AI skills crucial when hiring. To address concerns about job seekers’ credentials, initiatives like SkillsFuture Singapore and Jobstreet’s SEEK Pass offer secure verification methods.
AI-driven talent matching on Jobstreet has also improved, with over 50% of applications driven by AI recommendations, enhancing job matching and boosting confidence among employers and job seekers. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen career pathways for Singaporeans in the evolving digital landscape.
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