Digital, Care-giving, and Industry 4.0 Skills Set to Drive Future Workforce Needs
A new SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) report has identified 24 priority skills that are expected to experience high demand over the next two years, focusing on sectors such as the digital economy, care-giving, and Industry 4.0. The report, published on November 17, 2023, highlights these skills as transferable and essential in the evolving workforce, driven by technological advancements and demographic changes.
Among the top priority skills are software design in the digital economy, effective client communication in care sectors, and equipment and systems testing in Industry 4.0. These skills have been selected based on statistical trends observed between 2012 and 2022. The Skills Demand for the Future Economy report aims to help both individuals and businesses bridge skills gaps and invest in upskilling, ensuring workforce preparedness in the face of rapid change.
The report also explores growth opportunities in the green, digital, and care economies. In particular, the demand for green skills—especially in areas such as sustainable finance, carbon management, and environmental governance—has seen steady growth over the past two years. These areas are increasingly driven by global regulatory changes and market shifts, including mandatory climate-related disclosures.
On the digital front, data-related skills, including big-data analytics, AI programming, and coding are in high demand. The report also highlights the significant rise in skills related to the care economy, such as healthcare, early-childhood education, and social services. Here, there is an increasing need for holistic care skills, including volunteer management and mental health support.
Notably, the report tracks how skills composition in Singapore has evolved, with demand for apps and digital tools surging in line with the country’s digitalization efforts. For instance, Python and CSS were among the top-demand programming languages in 2022, a shift from earlier years.
SSG also observed that some traditional core skills, including communication, data management, and business management, remain essential and consistent in demand. This stability suggests that as long as workers continue to adapt, their skills will not become obsolete despite the accelerating pace of technological change.
As part of its efforts to encourage lifelong learning, SSG has provided tools to help individuals plan their careers and upskill effectively. The report encourages collaborations with industry leaders to enhance the nation’s understanding of emerging skills needs, particularly as Singapore prepares to transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy.
