Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, Singapore’s labor market demonstrates remarkable resilience and vitality.
According to the Labor Market Report released by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on September 17, second-quarter employment data reveals several noteworthy new trends.
I. 15 Consecutive Quarters of Growth:
Singapore’s workforce expands by 10,400
In Q2 2025, Singapore’s total employment grew for the 15th consecutive quarter, adding 10,400 jobs—significantly higher than the 2,300 added in Q1.
Citizens and permanent residents gained 2,600 jobs, while non-residents added 7,800 positions, primarily in construction, bus and truck driving, and related sectors.
Particularly noteworthy is the employment situation for fresh university graduates. According to MOM survey data, the employment rate for fresh graduates reached 51.9% in June 2025, a 4 percentage point increase year-on-year and a historic high.
This indicates that over half of fresh graduates secured employment before graduation, reflecting strong labor market demand for highly educated talent.
Source: MOM, Lianhe Zaobao
II. 51.9% of Fresh Graduates Secure Jobs Upon Graduation,
Reaching a New High in Recent Years
Despite the overall positive employment outlook, layoffs persist.
In the second quarter of 2025, Singapore recorded 3,540 layoffs, a decrease of 50 from the previous quarter. Layoffs in export-oriented sectors such as information and communications, and financial and insurance services saw a slight increase, primarily due to corporate restructuring and structural adjustments.
Notably, the proportion of laid-off residents who found re-employment within six months declined from 60.6% in the first quarter to 56.3%.
This indicates that despite overall market stability, re-employment integration has slowed in certain sectors and roles, potentially linked to industry restructuring and skill mismatches.
Image source: Lianhe Zaobao
III. 3,540 Layoffs in Q2,
Youth Employment Shows Steady Growth
In Q2 2025, Singapore’s job vacancies decreased from 81,100 in March to 76,900 in June, yet remained above pre-COVID-19 average levels.
This shift reflects the labor market transitioning from a “job-seeker’s market” to a “job-provider’s market.” Despite fewer vacancies, each job seeker still had over one job opportunity available, indicating sustained labor market vitality.
Regarding vacancy distribution, local residents filled approximately 70% of positions. Vacancies remained robust in growth sectors such as finance and insurance services, professional services, and information and communications.
For instance, vacancies for Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) reached 15,800, primarily concentrated in finance, insurance, professional services, and information and communications.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
IV. Vacancies Decline to 76,900,
Yet Each Job Seeker Still Has Over One Job Option
Despite the overall resilience of the labor market, employers’ willingness to hire and increase wages has declined.
According to MOM survey data, the proportion of companies intending to increase staffing in the next three months fell slightly from 44% in the second quarter to 43.7% in the third quarter of 2025. The proportion of companies planning to raise employee wages dropped from 37% to 22.4%.
This indicates employers are adopting a more cautious approach amid global economic uncertainties and cost pressures.
Particularly in export-oriented sectors such as financial and insurance services, professional services, and transportation and warehousing, employers showed a marked decline in hiring and pay increase intentions.
This may be linked to factors including the global economic slowdown, weakened market demand, and increased pressure on businesses to control costs.
Source: MOM, Lianhe Zaobao
V. 43.7% of companies intend to hire more staff,
22.4% plan to increase wages, employers more cautious
Looking ahead, Singapore’s labor market is expected to continue expanding, though at a slower pace. According to MOM projections, full-year economic growth in 2025 will reach 1.5% to 2.5%, slightly higher than the 2024 growth rate.
However, persistent global economic uncertainties may exert pressure on hiring and wage growth, particularly in export-oriented sectors. Consequently, employers and employees must strengthen skills training and capacity building to maintain competitiveness and adapt to emerging opportunities.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
VI. Labor Market Expansion but Slower Growth Under 1.5%-2.5% Economic Forecast
Based on MOM data, the following are the top ten entry-level white-collar positions for Q2 2025, provided for job seekers’ reference:
1. R&D Manager; 2. Quantity Surveyor
3. Construction Engineer; 4. Software Developer
5. Operations Planner (Real Estate); 6. Operations Planner (Retail)
7. Quantity Surveyor; 8. Data Analyst
9. Digital Marketing Specialist; 10. Human Resources Assistant
Source: MOM, Lianhe Zaobao
These roles are concentrated in growth sectors like construction, information and communications, and health and social services, making them suitable for fresh graduates and career changers.
Conclusion: Seize Opportunities, Embrace Challenges
Despite facing global economic uncertainties and industry restructuring, Singapore’s labor market demonstrates overall resilience, particularly in growth sectors and high-skill roles. Job seekers should monitor industry trends and enhance their skills to capitalize on employment opportunities.
Concurrently, employers should prioritize employee career development by offering training and advancement pathways to boost loyalty and productivity, collectively addressing future challenges.