A recent report by General Assembly (GA) reveals that 95% of employers in Singapore are grappling with tech hiring challenges despite an expanding talent pool. The “State of Tech Talent 2026” report highlights a significant shift towards AI and data skills, with employers increasingly adopting flexible talent models and emphasising upskilling as a shared responsibility between organisations and employees.
The report, which includes a Singapore-focused snapshot for the first time, shows that whilst hiring pressures have slightly eased, the demand for AI and data capabilities continues to grow. Sima Sadaat, Country Manager for GA Singapore, noted, “The findings highlight a clear shift in how organisations and individuals are approaching AI skills, with growing recognition that upskilling must be a shared responsibility.”
AI skills are now seen as a shared mandate, with over 80% of employers believing organisations should take at least partial responsibility for workforce development. This expectation is higher in Singapore compared to the US and UK. The demand for tech talent remains particularly high in data analytics and data science roles, with 58% of employers citing these as the hardest to fill.
Despite the critical need for upskilling, cost remains a barrier, with 58% of organisations finding it challenging to scale training programmes. This has led to a shift towards in-house training, although external providers are seen as strategic partners in accelerating capability development.
As automation reshapes entry-level roles, Singapore employers are expanding their talent access through outsourcing and flexible workforce models. This trend is opening new pathways into tech careers, particularly for women, and reshaping early-career pathways with a focus on AI-adjacent and hybrid skill sets.
