SINGAPORE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Hiring sentiment among Singapore employers weakened for the third quarter, falling to its lowest level since late 2021, although companies remain willing to pay a premium for skills such as artificial intelligence (AI), critical thinking and problem-solving, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
Singapore's seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) stood at +13 percent for the third quarter, down from previous quarters and marking its lowest reading since the fourth quarter of 2021, workforce solutions provider ManpowerGroup said.
The NEO is calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers expecting a decline in staffing levels from the percentage anticipating an increase in hiring.
Among 599 employers surveyed in Singapore, 35 percent said they planned to increase headcount in the coming quarter, while 41 percent expected to maintain current staffing levels. Another 22 percent anticipated reducing staff numbers, and 2 percent were uncertain about their hiring plans.
The survey also found that employers continue to place a premium on specialized skills despite a more cautious hiring environment.
AI-related capabilities topped the list of technical skills employers were willing to pay more for. About two-thirds of respondents said they would offer a premium for AI literacy skills, while 64 percent cited AI model and application development expertise.
Among interpersonal skills, employers were most willing to pay a premium for critical thinking and problem-solving, followed by communication, collaboration and teamwork.
"Employers in Singapore are taking a more cautious approach to hiring this quarter, with many choosing to hold steady on headcount until there is greater clarity on geopolitical conditions," said Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore.
"This does not mean employers are standing still. Instead, hiring decisions are becoming more selective and deliberate, with investment increasingly directed toward skills that deliver the greatest impact," Teo said.
