S'pore to create 15,700 jobs over 5 years; two-thirds paying above $5k

New jobs will create opportunities for fresh graduates, mid-career hires: EDB chairman

- Timothy Goh

Economic Development Board chairman Png Cheong Boon (left) and managing director Jermaine Loy speaking at the statutory board's 2025 year-in-review press conference on Feb 5. PHOTO: SINGAPORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD

(SINGAPORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD)

Investment commitments made in Singapore in 2025 are expected to create 15,700 jobs here as these investments are realised over the next five years, with about two-thirds of the roles paying a gross monthly wage above $5,000.

Of the jobs created, 40 per cent will be in services, 37 per cent in manufacturing, and the remaining 23 per cent in research and development (R&D) and innovation. Most of the roles will be for professionals, managers, executives and technicians, said the Economic Development Board (EDB) on Feb 5.

Speaking at the statutory board's 2025 year-in-review press conference at its office in Raffles City Tower, EDB chairman Png Cheong Boon said the new jobs will create opportunities for both fresh graduates and mid-career hires.

"They will offer meaningful career pathways for our workers, especially those who have the necessary expertise and have done well; they will also offer opportunities to learn new skills and to take on new roles," he said.

The Republic secured $14.2 billion in fixed asset investments in 2025, up 5.2 per cent from 2024, despite a volatile global environment marked by rising economic fragmentation, unpredictable geopolitics and rapid technological change.

Despite the higher volume of investments made, the 15,700 jobs they will yield are the lowest in a decade, down about 16 per cent from the 18,700 projected in 2024.

EDB managing director Jermaine Loy noted that companies are being more conservative in their projections given the uncertain environment.

He said there are "some structural shifts at play as well, given higher automation and digitalisation across industries".