Singapore's tech landscape in 2024 has been characterised by cautious growth. Since the beginning of the year, companies have adopted a strategic approach to hiring, prioritising contract workers for critical projects while focusing on learning and development (L&D) to retain talent. This shift in hiring strategy has implications for both job seekers and employers moving into 2025.
Our analysis of the market reveals a strong demand for tech skills in several areas. To make informed decisions employers look to hire candidates with analytical abilities. Solid foundation in computer science is essential for many tech roles and problem-solving and operational skills are highly valued. Cloud computing expertise is in high demand across industries, and besides all these, cyber security has become a top priority due to increasing digital threats. Effective database management along with proficiency in Python combined with cyber security knowledge is also sought after.
Most in-demand tech contract roles
To complete short-term projects without increasing permanent staff, companies are turning to contingent workforce. High in-demand technology contract roles and skills to succeed in these professions include:
- Web Developers: Building and maintaining websites and web applications and making them user-friendly. All three categories; Back-end Developers, Front-end Developers and Full Stack Developers are expected to be skilled in coding, responsive design, technical SEO, organisation and customer service to deliver on website requirements.
- Software Testers: They’re also hired as Software Test Engineer or Quality Assurance (QA) Tester and are responsible for interacting with clients to understand product requirements and design different test scenarios for software usability. They are expected to be flexible and creative analytical thinkers with knowledge in four main testing models: Waterfall, Iterative Development, Agile and Extreme Programming.
- Short-Term IT Support: This is a profession that is often looked at as a great starting point towards a more specialised opportunity. These roles provide guidance and technical support to users of hardware and software. Time management, communication, hardware setup and software installation skills help assist customers on how to navigate websites and set up equipment in the workplace.
- Cloud Migration Specialists: Their job is facilitating the transition of IT infrastructure to cloud platforms by supporting and administrating multiple VMWare environments and using custom automation tools to enhance operational efficiency. To do that efficiently, they possess database management skills, along with the cyber security skillset and knowledge of coding on Linux.
- DevOps Engineers: Main job of the DevOps Engineers is to lead and coordinate different teams’ efforts to create and maintain a company’s software. They do this by bridging the gap between software development and IT operations with their knowledge of coding, infrastructure management, DevOps toolchains and system administration.
Most in-demand tech permanent roles
While contract roles are in high demand, permanent positions remain attractive in Singapore’s tech landscape. Permanent contract roles that are highly sought after and skills needed to succeed in these professions are:
- Data Scientist: Analytical data experts who can dig and find valuable data insights using statistical, analytical and programmable skills. Data Scientists can have knowledge of statistical programming languages like R, Python, and database query languages like SQL, Hive, Pig. They can also be familiar with Scala, Java, and/or C++, as well as machine leaning and data visualisation tools.
- Machine Learning Engineer: An essential part of the data science team, they build data-driven AI systems to advance predictive automation capabilities and ensure algorithms generate accurate user recommendations. Being skilled in software engineering and data science, as well as having vast domain knowledge helps them create reliable features and solutions for clients.
- Cyber Security Engineer: These are highly skilled IT professionals who help prevent data breaches by creating, implementing and monitoring security systems and features. There are also other cyber security professionals that are part of data security teams, including Security Managers, Cyber Security Analysts, Security Architects and Cyber Security Specialists.
- Application Support Analyst: These IT experts maintain software applications and other computer systems for businesses alongside their end users by doing daily maintenance of IT systems. Their top skills are problem solving, as well as communication, organisation and teamwork.
- Site Reliability Engineers: The role of a Site Reliability Engineer is to keep websites reliable, efficient and scalable by creating automated solutions. They are highly collaborative and possess coding knowledge, along with problem solving skills.
- Software Developers: Professionals who create new software and improve existing software applications by designing and writing code. Patience is what sets them apart, along with adaptability, as developing software is a tedious and time-intensive process that can face many changes.
When it comes to recruitment, companies are competing fiercely to attract and retain top talent, offering remarkable compensations, benefits, and development opportunities. There's a growing emphasis on building a skilled local workforce through training and partnerships with educational institutions. The rise of flexible work arrangements is ongoing to reshape employment models. It is also important to mention that Singapore remains focused on nurturing local talent to address future workforce needs.
Partnering with a specialised recruitment agency can be invaluable in navigating this dynamic landscape. We possess in-depth knowledge of the market and can help you find the perfect candidate or role.
