In 2020, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower recognised this challenge. It launched the HR Industry Transformation Plan - a five-year initiative to equip HR practitioners with the skills needed in the digital business landscape.

While it's heartening to have government support, HR teams must look closer at themselves. This involves identifying what needs to be fixed and recognising untapped opportunities to elevate their function and the broader workforce.

Singapore has long attracted many foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Top-quality infrastructure, access to international markets, and open trade policies are just some of the reasons why international professionals are keen to invest in Singapore’s vibrant business landscape.

The so-called ‘September Surge’ has generated a lot of buzz in recent months - five billion views on TikTok, to be exact. As a result, jobseekers have been preparing for a dynamic job market, with organisations ramping up their hiring at unprecedented rates. The concept is seen as a saving grace by job seekers and recruiters alike, who have been stifled by reduced headcounts and a passive job market over the last few years.

But here’s the twist – does the September Surge even exist? Some experts debate whether it’s real, emphasising that there are other times of the year to pay just as much attention to.

The modern world has disrupted the notion of a stable and predictable career path. Technological advancements, political instability and the pandemic have given way to a volatile and ambiguous job market felt by individuals, companies, and economies globally.

So, how is Singapore tackling the fluctuating job market? The answer lies in a simple yet highly effective solution: ‘second skilling’.

Amidst the evolving landscape of Singapore's labour market, two prominent reports have shed light on the prevailing trends shaping the nation's workforce in 2023.