Technical fluency, leadership top Singapore's skill shortages: report

41% of HR professionals report that less than half of job applicants meet all required and preferred qualifications.

Technical fluency, leadership, and communication skills are amongst the hardest to find in Singapore’s workforce, even as businesses accelerate AI adoption, according to new LinkedIn research.

The data, unveiled at LinkedIn’s APAC Talent Connect Asia 2025, shows that technical fluency (36%), leadership (35%), and communication & problem-solving (34.5%) are the most sought-after but hardest-to-find skills in job applicants.

This shortage is posing a challenge for businesses looking to integrate AI, as demand for employees with both digital expertise and soft skills continues to rise.

With 94% of business leaders in Singapore making AI adoption a top priority in 2025, companies are under pressure to equip their workforce with the right capabilities.

However, 41% of HR professionals report that less than half of job applicants meet all required and preferred qualifications, making it harder to fill critical roles.

The hiring landscape has become increasingly selective, with companies stating they will only consider candidates who meet at least 80% of job requirements.

As hiring slows, companies in Singapore are doubling down on upskilling efforts to build a future-ready workforce. 78.3% of HR professionals in APAC, including Singapore, say helping employees develop new skills is their top priority for 2025.

Key focus areas include AI-related training (73.5%) to ensure employees can work effectively with automation and machine learning tools, as well as soft skills development (77%), emphasising communication, collaboration, and adaptability.

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