Online hiring growth in Singapore saw a steep upswing in March 2019, with a 17% year-on-year growth as compared to March 2018, according to data from the latest Monster Employment Index (MEI). This is a significant rise from previous months – January and February witnessed 5% and 3% year-on-year growth, respectively.

Leading this growth is the IT, Telecom, BPO/ITES industry with an incredible40% year-on-year growth for March, up from February’s 22% rise. Advertising and BFSI industries also recorded an impressive increase in demand this March with 29% and 28% year-on-year growth, respectively. Overall, March was an exceptional month for Singapore’s online hiring landscape as all industries witnessed positive growth in demand this month, with the exception of Shipping/Marine industry, which recorded no movement.

When looking at occupations, Software/Hardware/Telecom professionals witnessed the highest spike in demand with a remarkable 29% year-on-year growth for the month of March. Finance & Accounts and Sales & Business Development talent also experienced a surge in demand, recording 20% and 18% year-on-year growth, respectively.

On the flip side, Real Estate and Healthcare professionals saw a decline in demand last month, falling by 5% and 1%, respectively, between March 2018 and March 2019.

“Singapore has taken everyone by surprise this month, with double-digit growth in online hiring activity after a long time. All industries experienced rapid upswing this March, with the nation’s booming IT sector leading this growth. This positive uptrend comes as a sigh of relief following the projection of an economic slowdown released by MAS last month. This reflects the resilience and strength of the Singapore economy, and is a positive sign for the nation’s future.” Said Abhijeet Mukherjee, CEO of Monster.com – APAC and Middle East.