- AI Model & Application Development (26%) and AI Literacy (25%) now top the list of hardest-to-find skills, overtaking traditional IT & Data skills, which fell to seventh place (17%).
- Despite easing to 71% in 2026, talent shortages remain a cross‑industry challenge, with Utilities & Natural Resources (79%), Construction & Real Estate (77%), and Public Sector, Health & Social Services (77%) experiencing the highest levels of strain.
SINGAPORE (26 FEBRUARY 2026) – Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills have emerged as Singapore’s hardest-to-fill capabilities, even as overall talent scarcity eases, according to ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey released today.
In 2026, 71% of employers in Singapore report difficulty hiring skilled talent, down from 83% in 2025 and slightly below the global average of 72%. This also represents the lowest level recorded locally since 2021.
For the first time, AI Model & Application Development (26%) and AI Literacy (25%) top the list of hardest-to-find skills in Singapore. IT & Data, which ranked first in 2025, now places seventh (17%) in 2026.
“The rise of AI capabilities to the top of Singapore’s hardest‑to‑fill skills list underscores how rapidly workforce demands are evolving. As AI becomes embedded across a wider range of roles, developing AI literacy will be essential so people can use these tools with confidence and sound judgment. Employers are responding by investing in upskilling and adopting more flexible talent models that allow them to hire for potential—not only experience. At the same time, core human strengths such as professionalism, adaptability, communication, and teamwork remain critical complements to technology, underscoring that AI is reshaping work rather than replacing it. In this environment, organizations that pair technological advancement with opportunities for people to grow will be best positioned to thrive amid talent scarcity,” says Ms. Linda Teo, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore.
“It is also worth noting that the survey was conducted during a period when employers were recalibrating their workforce strategies and hiring activity was more subdued. Should hiring pick up, these shortages may become even more pronounced,” adds Ms. Teo.
Key Findings
- AI Creates a New Hierarchy of Technical Demand: AI Model & Application Development (26%) and AI Literacy (25%) now lead the ranking of hard-to-find skills, followed by Engineering (24%), Operation & Logistics (19%), and Sales & Marketing (19%). Together, these AI capabilities displace traditional IT & Data skills, which fell to seventh place (17%), signaling a rapid realignment of strategic talent investment toward AI-driven capabilities.
- The Human Edge Becomes More Valuable: Even amid the surge in demand for AI, core human skills remain in-demand. Professionalism & Work Ethic (34%) and Adaptability & Willingness to Learn (34%) are the most sought-after attributes, followed by Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork (33%), reinforcing the enduring value of interpersonal skills.
- Scarcity Is a Cross-Industry Phenomenon: While the Utilities & Natural Resources industry faces the highest shortage (79%), Construction & Real Estate (77%) and Public Sector, Health & Social Services (77%) report similar levels of strain. This challenge extends across Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (76%), Finance & Insurance (72%), and Hospitality (71%), indicating broad‑based operational and service‑delivery constraints.
- Employer Strategy—Invest, Adapt, and Compete: Faced with structural scarcity, 94% of employers in Singapore are deploying a mix of tactics. A key focus is strengthening internal talent and enhancing workforce agility, with Upskilling and Reskilling (26%), Location Flexibility (22%), and Schedule Flexibility (21%) among the top approaches. Concurrently, to enhance competitiveness, employers are Targeting New Talent Pools (23%), Expanding the Temporary Workforce (18%), and Increasing Wages (18%).
| Top skills demanded in 2026 | Top skills demanded in 2025 |
|---|---|
| AI Model & Application Development | AI Literacy |
| Engineering | Engineering |
| Operations & Logistics Skills | Operations & Logistics |
| Sales & Marketing | Sales & Marketing |
| IT & Data | Sustainability & Environmental |
To view the full Singapore Findings of the 2026 Talent Shortage Survey, visit: www.manpowergroup.com.sg/talent-shortage-2026 .
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SURVEY METHODOLOGY
ManpowerGroup interviewed 39,063 employers in 41 countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), United Kingdom (U.K.), United States of America (U.S.). The fieldwork was completed in all markets between October 1 – 31, 2025. 504 employers were surveyed in Singapore.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding labor demand in certain regions, countries and industries, and economic uncertainty. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, due to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These factors include those found in the Company's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the information under the heading "Risk Factors" in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, whose information is incorporated herein by reference. ManpowerGroup disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements in this release, except as required by law.
ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP SINGAPORE
Established in 1995 in Singapore, ManpowerGroup works with a range of manufacturing, resources, mining, transport and logistics, government, blue chip investment and retail banks, IT vendors and outsourcers, telecoms service providers and infrastructure, utilities and engineering services companies. In Singapore, the ManpowerGroup suite of solutions is offered through Manpower®, and Talent Solutions. More information on ManpowerGroup Singapore is available at: www.manpowergroup.com.sg .
