Digital occupations made up an average of 11 per cent  of total online job postings (OJPs) in Singapore on an annual basis, according to a joint study by talent company Randstad and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

The study reveals the number of OJPs for data mining analysts in Singapore jumped from approximately 300 postings in 2012 to nearly 12,000 in 2021. Comparing the numbers in 2020 and 2021, OJPs for these roles nearly doubled from 5,850 to 11,834.

The 2022 OECD-Randstad Report: Skills for the Digital Transition report highlights key trends and insights on in-demand digital occupations as well as how to prepare talent for tech-driven jobs of the future.

Daljit Sall, General Manager of Technology at Randstad Singapore the tech space has consistently lacked sufficient skilled talent who are capable of driving innovation not only in Singapore but also globally.  “The job vacancy rate within the tech sector has been higher than the national average for a decade, pointing to an urgent need for a sustainable talent management resolution.”

Nearly half of the online tech jobs in Singapore were for software developers with knowledge of java, middleware and web analytics.

From mechanics and manufacturing to services and healthcare, the labour market has been permeated by the need for digital products and services, largely driven by access to new technologies and changing consumption behaviours.

The rise in demand has created a competitive landscape for software developers, programmers and engineers. Software developers are largely responsible for the design and integration of increasingly sophisticated systems and organisations’ unified networks.

According to the report, the number of OJPs for these roles increased by 410 per cent from 2012 to 94,045 in 2021. The in-demand skills for technologists employers mostly seek are web development, middleware, java, quality assurance

According to Sall, software solutions like SaaS provide a cost-effective way for companies to access necessary programs without a huge initial investment, which made sense as an overnight fix during COVID and continues to ring true today. 

“These on-demand services are powered by cloud computing, which has fuelled great demand for tech professionals who can operate complex cloud architectures with skills such as database management and software development. As software networks become intertwined between different solutions and infrastructures, it will be necessary for developers and infrastructure professionals to upskill so that they can remain relevant in their jobs.”

Adding that data has become a reliable source of information for business leaders to make future-proof projections and decisions that determine the company’s success, Sall said, “This has led to an ever-increasing demand for data analysts with skills in statistical analysis, data visualisation and programming such as Python and R. Organisations will need to be able to translate complex data into easy-to-understand insights to make informed decisions that support their growth plans in the long run.”

Demand for cybersecurity professionals doubled from 2020 to 2021

Data from online job postings reveals that organisations in Singapore seek highly-specialised cybersecurity professionals with a strong knowledge of information security and network security, as well as of IT management.

In 2021, there were 3,500 OJPs for cybersecurity professionals, which is twice more than the 1,750 postings made in 2020.

Sall said the emergence of the Web3 era calls for more robust encryption and hashing to prevent complex data tampering. “Companies will have to step up to not only comply with data protection regulations, but work with users to ensure a more favourable experience and outcome with their digital platforms,” he advised.

Demand for Chief Information Officers up by 65% between 2020 and 2021

Demand for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) increased by 65 per cent, from 541 positions in 2020 to 892 positions in 2021. While the increase may be insignificant when compared to other digital occupations, it speaks volume given the importance of the role.

Sall said when business leaders see the value in appointing competent CIOs and CTOs, it communicates the companies’ commitment to driving innovation projects that allow them to keep pace with digital transformation. 

“Even though it is challenging to headhunt senior executives due to heightened expectations for technical skills, leadership qualities and soft managerial skills, it is the right move for companies now. Organisations that have forward-thinking yet realistic leaders have already won half the war for talent in the world of tech.”