Singapore Employers Show Cautious Hiring Sentiment Amid AI Skills Demand
In Singapore, employers are exhibiting a cautious approach to hiring for the third quarter of 2026, as revealed by the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey indicates a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +13%, marking the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2021. This cautious sentiment is attributed to geopolitical uncertainties, with 41% of the 599 surveyed employers planning to maintain current staffing levels, 35% intending to increase headcount, and 22% expecting a decrease. Despite the overall conservative hiring outlook, there is a notable willingness among employers to pay a premium for skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and critical thinking. The survey highlights that 66% of employers are willing to pay more for AI literacy skills, while 64% value AI model and application development skills. Traditional IT and data skills also remain in demand, with 56% of employers willing to offer higher wages for these capabilities. 
