Deel, the all-in-one payroll and HR platform for global teams, has released new hiring data highlighting Singapore’s increasing reliance on international talent to address its deepening tech talent shortage.
As digital transformation and AI adoption accelerates across industries, Software Engineer/Developer roles have become the most in-demand and fastest-growing in the city-state. In response, Singapore-based companies are expanding their talent searches beyond borders—while local professionals remain highly sought after by employers overseas.
Global Hiring Takes Centre Stage in Singapore’s Tech Strategy
Deel’s data reveals that Software Engineer/Developer roles are not only the top roles being hired into Singapore, but they are also one of the fastest-growing roles locally, underscoring a critical need for specialised tech expertise and capabilities.
Educator and Business Development/Consultant roles are also gaining ground, reflecting shifts in Singapore’s broader knowledge economy. To fill these gaps, companies are increasingly hiring talent from abroad, particularly in technical and creative functions. The top three globally sourced roles being brought into Singapore are:
- Software Engineer/Developer,
- Business Development/Consultant,
- Designer/Graphic Designer
These trends mirror wider hiring patterns observed across Asia-Pacific, where demand for niche skillsets—especially in AI—continues to outpace local talent pipelines. Between 2023 to 2024, Deel saw a 585% surge in contracts for roles with ‘AI’ in the job title. Hiring for AI Engineers alone grew by 340%, while senior leadership positions like Director or Head of AI tripled, signalling a clear pivot towards building AI leadership and capability at scale to future-proof the tech workforce.
Singapore’s Talent Remains in High Demand Globally
While Singapore integrates global talent to meet rising demands, it’s also exporting high-quality talent to international markets. Deel’s data indicates a substantial 31% year-on-year increase in Singapore-based professionals being hired by companies in the United States, with Great Britain also seeing a notable 9% year-on-year rise.
Accountants, in particular, are in high demand. Singapore ranks fifth globally as a source of international accounting hires, following the Philippines, the United States, Argentina, and Mexico. Worldwide, demand for accountants is rising sharply, driving up salaries and making them one of the most sought-after roles today. This global talent crunch is driven in part by waning interest in the profession. In Singapore, this trend is reflected in a notable decline in the pursuit of accountancy qualifications with enrollment in accountancy degree programmes at Singaporean universities down by more than 10% over recent years.
Karen Ng, Regional Head of Expansion, Enterprise, North and South Asia, Deel, said: “The trends we’re observing in Singapore reflect a global reality: companies can no longer afford to rely solely on domestic hiring. As AI and digital transformation continue to reshape industries, the demand for specialised talent is pushing businesses to look beyond borders. Singapore’s dual role — attracting global talent while exporting its own skilled professionals — cements its position as a vital player in the future of work.
This is where Deel comes in. We help businesses unlock untapped talent pools, manage all the nitty-gritty in HR operations, and stay ahead of transformative trends shaping the future of work.”
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