Singapore’s job market is showing signs of recovery, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey, which gathered responses from 538 employers, reveals a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 24% for the second quarter (Q2) of 2026. This marks a 10-point increase from the previous quarter, following two consecutive quarters of decline.
The Information sector leads the charge with the strongest outlook, reporting a 41% NEO, an 18-point increase from the previous quarter. This sector’s growth is attributed to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across workforce strategies. Notably, 82% of employers in Singapore are already utilising AI in hiring, onboarding, or training processes, surpassing both the Asia Pacific and Middle East average of 81% and the global average of 67%.
Despite the positive outlook, the survey highlights uneven returns on investment (ROI) from AI adoption. Learning and development are cited by 32% of employers as delivering the highest ROI, whilst scheduling, forecasting, and team performance follow. However, only 4% of employers report that AI fully meets expectations in hiring and training, with 10% seeing no positive ROI to date.
The survey underscores the dynamic nature of Singapore’s employment landscape, driven by technological advancements and sector-specific growth. As companies continue to expand and integrate AI, the job market is poised for further transformation in the coming months.
