Investment commitments secured by Singapore in 2025 are expected to generate 15,700 new jobs over the next five years, with nearly two-thirds of the roles paying a gross monthly wage above S$5,000, according to the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The figures underscore the city-state’s continued ability to attract high-quality investments despite a volatile global economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions, tighter financial conditions, and rapid technological disruption.
The projected job creation stems from S$14.2 billion in fixed asset investments committed in 2025, a 5.2 percent increase from 2024. While the total number of jobs expected is the lowest in a decade, EDB officials emphasized that the positions are increasingly high-value, skills-intensive roles aligned with Singapore’s long-term economic strategy.
Speaking at EDB’s 2025 year-in-review press conference at Raffles City Tower on Feb. 5, EDB Chairman Png Cheong Boon said the new roles would support both new entrants to the workforce and experienced professionals seeking career transitions.
“They will offer meaningful career pathways for our workers, especially those who have the necessary expertise and have done well; they will also offer opportunities to learn new skills and to take on new roles,” Png said.
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Of the 15,700 jobs projected, 40 percent will be in services, 37 percent in manufacturing, and 23 percent in research and development (R&D) and innovation, EDB said. The majority of roles will be for professionals, managers, executives, and technicians, reflecting Singapore’s push to move further up the value chain.
The sectoral breakdown highlights how Singapore is balancing its traditional manufacturing strengths with growing demand for advanced services and innovation-driven activities. Manufacturing investments continue to center on advanced and capital-intensive projects, while services roles are increasingly tied to digital platforms, regional headquarters functions, and global business operations.
R&D and innovation roles, meanwhile, are expanding in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), precision medicine, and next-generation hardware—fields that Singapore has identified as critical to maintaining competitiveness in a more fragmented global economy.
Despite the rise in total investment value, the 15,700 jobs projected for 2025 represent a 16 percent decline from the 18,700 jobs forecast in 2024. EDB Managing Director Jermaine Loy attributed the lower number to a combination of economic caution and structural shifts within industries.
“Companies are being more conservative in their projections given the uncertain environment,” Loy said, pointing to factors such as slowing global growth and heightened geopolitical risks. He added that automation and digitalization are also reshaping hiring patterns, enabling firms to generate more output with fewer workers.
Still, Loy stressed that the quality of jobs matters more than the headline figure.
“The jobs expected to be created are good, high-value jobs that will offer meaningful career pathways for Singaporeans,” he said.
To ensure Singaporeans are well-positioned to take up these roles, EDB said it is deepening partnerships with companies, training providers, and industry associations to strengthen workforce competitiveness.
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A major focus is on in-demand digital skills, including practical AI applications, cyber security, and cloud computing. Leading technology firms are working with EDB on digital up skilling initiatives designed to help workers adapt to evolving job requirements.
EDB is also collaborating with institutes of higher learning through its Industrial Postgraduate Programme, which aims to develop local talent for advanced R&D roles. The program supports postgraduate training aligned with industry needs, particularly in emerging and science-based sectors.
These efforts reflect a broader national push to future-proof the workforce, a strategy that analysts say is critical as smaller, open economies face external shocks and rapid technological change.
Beyond technical skills, EDB is investing in leadership development to expand the pool of Singaporeans ready to take on senior roles in multinational companies.
In 2025, 65 fellows joined the second cohort of the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN) Fellowship, up from 60 in the previous year. The nine-month program targets mid- to senior-level leaders and focuses on general management and leadership in a global context.
SGLN also rolled out new initiatives, including the Overseas Transition Support program and Industry Interest Groups, to provide additional backing for Singaporeans with corporate leadership potential.
As part of EDB’s Global Business Leaders Programme, participants were posted to markets such as China, Indonesia, Latvia, the Netherlands, and the United States. These overseas stints are designed to give Singaporean leaders hands-on experience managing operations across diverse regulatory and cultural environments.
EDB said 2025 investments were concentrated in strategic growth areas that align with Singapore’s long-term economic priorities. These include artificial intelligence, precision medicine, green economy projects, and next-generation mobility and hardware.
In precision medicine, investments span both manufacturing and R&D, supporting Singapore’s ambition to be a hub for advanced biomedical production. Green economy projects, meanwhile, reflect rising global demand for sustainable technologies and solutions as governments and companies accelerate decarbonization efforts.
Such focus areas are consistent with trends highlighted by international news organizations like AFP and AP, which have reported on Asia’s growing role in advanced manufacturing, clean energy innovation, and digital services.
While the decline in projected job numbers may raise questions, economists say Singapore’s emphasis on job quality, skills, and wages is a pragmatic response to structural changes in the global economy.
