Singapore companies tap global talent for software engineer, business development, and designer roles amid tech talent shortage
SINGAPORE: Singapore companies are tapping into global talent to address their deepening tech talent shortage, according to hiring data from global payroll, compliance, and HR solutions company Deel , in a press release on Thursday (May 15).
This comes as the number of Singapore professionals hired in the United States rose 31% year-on-year (YoY) and increased 9% YoY in Great Britain. Accountants, in particular, are in high demand.
The report noted that software engineer/developer roles have become the most sought-after and fastest-growing positions in Singapore amid the city-state's accelerating digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. The second and third most globally sourced roles in the city-state are business development/consultant and designer/graphic designer. This matches a wider trend in the Asia-Pacific region, where demand for specific skills, especially in AI, continues to outpace local talent pipelines.
Educator and business development/consultant roles have also become more in demand in the city-state.
According to Deel, there was a 585% surge in contracts for roles with 'AI' in the job title. Hiring for AI engineers grew by 340%, and senior roles like Director or Head of AI tripled.
Karen Ng, Regional Head of Expansion, Enterprise, North and South Asia at Deel, said businesses can no longer afford to rely just on local hiring.
'As AI and digital transformation continue to reshape industries, the demand for specialised talent is pushing businesses to look beyond borders. Singapore's dual role — attracting global talent while exporting its own skilled professionals — cements its position as a vital player in the future of work,' she added. /TISG
Read also: Singapore tech salary report 2025: Game engineers see biggest pay growth amid tech salary rebound
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