Singapore’s Most In-Demand Jobs Require More Than Digital Skills

Rapid digital disrupttion across sector and industry has changed the way people do business, including in Singapore. To stay ahead of the competition, talents are required to upskill themselves with crucial knowledge and skills needed in the digital age. While most people believe that digital savviness is the most important skill everyone should master, however, recent report by Kelly Services suggested that it takes more than just digital expertise to land most in-demand jobs in 2019.

According to the report released on Thursday (May 9), while possessing relevant technical skills remains crucial, talents need to complement this by having softer skills in communication and having an agile approach towards change.

“Digital disruption is impacting all facets of Singapore’s economy – right down to the workforce,” said the company’s managing director Foo See Yang. “To find success in the digital age, we need a reskilling and upskilling revolution. Those who can reskill and upskill will find better wage and employment opportunities, regardless of level or industry.”

The report revealed that services industry accounts for the bulk of the most in-demand jobs, with the accounting, engineering, customer service and healthcare sectors likely to see the strongest job growth. Financial analyst and account assistant positions are among some of the more in-demand roles within the sector. The services industry make up about 70 percent of Singapore’s economy, according to government figures.

Further, the report noted the accounting sector’s goal to create 2,000 new jobs by next year under a government road map rolled out last year. The road map also introduced a Digital Transformation for Accountancy programme, giving small and medium-sized practices funding support of up to $30,000 each to adopt technology solutions.

Among key findings of the report suggested that while traditional administrative and finance functions are increasingly being automated, good communication and analytical skills remain highly valued traits with the accountant of the future expected to take on more strategic roles.

For the healthcare sector, the report noted the challenges in recruiting more long-term care workers to cater for Singapore’s ageing population but added that innovation remains critical despite the sector’s reliance on the human touch, Straits Times reports.

With medical records expected to be fully digitised in the next three to five years, Kelly Services said patient service associates may find themselves displaced, for example.

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