Nearly all employers in Singapore (95%) continue to face tech hiring challenges despite a broader talent pool, according to new research from General Assembly (GA), part of The Adecco Group.
The “State of Tech Talent 2026” report, based on a global survey of HR and talent leaders, includes a Singapore snapshot for the first time.
While hiring pressures have eased slightly, companies are increasingly turning to flexible workforce models and AI upskilling to close talent gaps, in line with national efforts such as the National AI Strategy 2.0 and SkillsFuture.
Sima Sadaat, country manager, General Assembly Singapore, said: “The findings highlight a clear shift in how organisations and individuals are approaching AI skills, with growing recognition that upskilling must be a shared responsibility. In Singapore’s tech-driven economy, the ability to apply AI effectively is essential across roles, not just in technical functions.”
Hiring trends
Demand remains strongest in data-related roles, with data analytics and data science cited by 58% of employers as the hardest to fill. While 69% expect upskilling to significantly address shortages by 2026, 58% say cost remains a key barrier.
More than half of employers report that some roles have already been automated, with further changes expected to be gradual. At the same time, nearly three-quarters are outsourcing or planning to do so, reflecting a shift toward cross-border and flexible talent strategies.
These trends are reshaping entry-level pathways, with early-career professionals expected to develop hybrid, AI-adjacent skills. Flexible work models are also opening more accessible routes into tech careers, particularly for women, while demand for freelancers increases.
