8 In-Demand Jobs In Singapore in 2023 That Are The Most Sought After
Experts reveal the high-demand careers in Singapore in 2020, in light of the rapid changes in technology and the economy

Given the rapid pace of technological developments in recent years, work is getting increasingly automated. Some of the most in-demand jobs in Singapore in the past have now become obsolete.
From artificial intelligence attempting to take over lawyers and chatbots responding to calls, many millennials are concerned that the trend of automation will make it harder to get or change jobs in the future according to a Deloitte survey.
You may have some of these queries at the top of your mind:
“Which are the high-demand jobs given technological improvements?”
“Which are some popular and coveted careers in Singapore in 2020?”
“What kind of jobs are future-proof and will stand the test of time?”
In this article, we explore these questions and more.
In fact, to help you decide on your job options, we break down the in-demand jobs in Singapore in 2020 that are highly sought after.
1. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Data Scientist
Why Data Science is Important
In this information age, data has become a very powerful tool. Naturally, data science has become the new buzzword.
What is data science?
Simply put, it is a way to get insights and make better business decisions.
Data science is important for various reasons.
It can help the business deliver more relevant products to their customers. It is also able to streamline business processes and identify business opportunities.
The importance of data science is supported by the statistics.
In just a short 4 years from 2013 to 2017, a LinkedIn report revealed that jobs in data science had jumped by 17 times. Given such astronomical growth, it is likely that the demand for data scientists will continue to trend upwards.
As such, it is no wonder that data scientist careers are regarded as one of the high-demand jobs in Singapore in 2020.
What a Data Scientist’s Job Entails
It goes without saying that the data scientist’s job involves handling a lot of data. Data scientists have to extract key insights from data to achieve business needs and objectives.
As such, you would need to have a strong background in statistics to analyse data.
A data scientist is also required to be familiar with math, programming as well as data mining and processing. Unsurprisingly, most data scientists have degrees in computer science, statistics and data science itself.
Apart from technical skills, a data scientist need to be able to communicate well.
You would have to speak with the important decision-makers and managers of the company. Only then can you better understand the business goals of your company and translate them into results.
2. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Digital Marketer
Questions a Digital Marketer Must be Able to Answer
How do you get Google, Facebook and other digital advertisements in front of the right audience?
What’s the best way for a website to rank well on Google search engine results page?
How do you draw readers to your website by tweaking your site content?
As a digital marketer, you would be able to answer all these questions.
Role of the Digital Marketer
In essence, digital marketers have the crucial role of driving traffic to a company website.
With proper techniques, you will be able to raise brand awareness for the company. You may also help improve the company’s revenue by boosting sales.
Given the importance of the digital marketer’s job, this is seen as one of the most in-demand jobs in Singapore in 2020. This is especially since there is a high demand for technology jobs such as digital marketing roles lately.
Advertising-Related Skills are a Must
As a digital marketer, you would be responsible for planning and executing digital marketing campaigns.
This requires you to use a wide variety of advertising channels including social media, search, email and display advertising. With effective advertising, you would be able to reach the ideal target audience for your company and scale the business to greater heights.
Usually, you would also tasked with maintaining the social media presence of the company. Effective use of social media can drive traffic to your company’s website and improve customer engagement.
Key Skills that Every Digital Marketer Should Also Have
Additionally, digital marketers have to be familiar with search engine optimisation (SEO).
SEO is highly important in optimising webpages for Google’s search algorithm. A company’s ability to be found in the Google search engine results depends largely on SEO.
Another important skill required by digital marketers is copywriting. As part of advertising campaigns and SEO strategies, you would have to find ways of engaging your audience.
This can only be done if you are able to write catchy titles and engaging content. Thus, copywriting would also be a useful skill for the job.
If you’re considering this highly sought after role, having a degree or diploma in marketing or mass communications would be highly relevant.
Nonetheless, there are employers who would be willing to take you on without the requisite qualifications. Of course, this is provided that you can showcase your digital marketing skills in other ways.
3. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Software Engineer
Job Requirements for a Software Engineer
One of the most in-demand jobs in 2020 is being a software engineer.
As the job title suggests, software engineer designs and develops software and computer programs. As such, to be a software engineer, you would need to be proficient in a variety of computer languages such as Python and Java.
You would also require a keen understanding of the software needs of your end-users. This is so that you can create new software applications that are actually useful for consumers.
Employers would expect you to have certain programming or computer-related qualifications. You would require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology and systems Or equivalent.
Prevalence of Software Engineering
Software engineering is required in practically every business and function, especially so in this technological era.
Almost every business requires some form computer or mobile software solution. Some software engineering innovations include Gmail and the Windows Operating System.
It is thus without a doubt that software engineering has made our lives easier through the development of useful applications and software. There’s also a shortage of engineering talent, which makes it an in-demand job in Singapore today.
4. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Product Manager
What You do as a Product Manager
Product managers oversee the entire product lifecycle to allow for the finished product to be developed.
To be an effective product manager, you should firstly have a vision and plan for the delivery of the end product. This makes it easier to create a project timeline and achieve various project milestones.
Some responsibilities of a product manager include testing the product, getting market feedback and ensuring that the product can be manufactured at scale.
Other Soft Skills Needed for the Job
This highly demanded career also requires you to have strong communication skills.
This is because you would have to deal with various teams in the development of the product.
For example, you’ve to get feedback from the sales and marketing teams to understand what the customers want to see in the product. Additionally, you have to speak to the engineering team to see how best you can include certain product features.
If you possess the soft skills for the job, the product manager could be the best in-demand job in Singapore for you.
5. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Cyber Security Expert
The Need for Cyber Security Experts Now More Than Ever
In recent times, there has been a huge rise in cybersecurity breaches and crimes.
From the data leak of individuals on the HIV register to the cyber attack on SingHealth’s databases, it is clear that cybersecurity threats are growing.
As cyber threats get more sophisticated and complex, the demand for cybersecurity will only increase.
That’s why being a cybersecurity expert is an in-demand job in 2020. This highly sought-after and in-demand job in 2020 is needed to deal with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
What You do as a Cyber Security Expert
You would have to find ways to protect your company’s systems and networks and ward off possible attacks by cyber criminals.
This also means that you would have to stay updated with the latest security developments. You’ll also have to constantly ensure that there are no vulnerabilities in the hardware, software and computer systems.
A key part of your duties involves conducting training for the staff to ensure that they do not become victims of cybercrimes. This may prevent any security breach of your company’s system.
On a normal daily basis, you would also have to provide advice to colleagues when they receive any malicious or suspicious-looking emails.
6. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Machine Learning Engineer
Job Responsibilities as a Machine Learning Engineer in Singapore
Using mathematical models, machine learning engineers create systems that can automatically learn and improve based on the data collected.
Typically, employers would require machine learning engineers to have a strong background in programming, Python or C/C++ development.
They would also require you to be proficient in at least one area of machine learning. This includes natural language processing, neural networks, robotics or gesture recognition.
Machine Learning Makes Life Easier
What are some practical applications of machine learning? Plenty. For example, the online product recommendations on Amazon.com makes use of machine learning. So does TV show suggestions on Netflix.
In those instances, machine learning learns from your past purchases and viewing behaviour on the platform. It then records your tastes and preferences, which they use to suggest specific product recommendations for you.
Cool, right?
We thus consider the machine learning engineer as a highly sought after job in Singapore in 2020.
7. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Internet of Things (IOT) Developer
The IOT developer role is considered one of the most in-demand jobs in Singapore in 2020.
As an IOT developer, you would be in charge of various areas such as programming, networking and systems engineering so as to ensure the IOT devices operate effectively and securely.
But, what is IOT?
Simply put, the IOT is a network of devices that are able to communicate with each other and connect to the internet.
Interesting Applications of IOT in Everyday Life
A reason why IOT development is so highly sought after in 2020 is its wide application. For instance, IOT can be integrated into smart homes.
With IOT, you can switch on your air-conditioning before you even reach home. You can also grant or deny access to visitors remotely when you’re not at home.
Moreover, industries such as agriculture can also make use of IOT. IOT sensors in farms can detect critical information about moisture, nutrient density, acidity and other qualities of the soil.
In turn, farmers can use this data to increase their food production. They may do so by regulating irrigation and using customised fertiliser.
How to Become an IOT Developer
If you wish to be an IOT developer, you should at minimum have a degree in computer science or electrical engineering.
This is because you need to demonstrate to employers your expertise in programming and understanding of wireless communication and sensors.
You also should be familiar with developing products that are user-friendly.
This will allow you to develop products and systems that are usable by all individuals (whether tech-savvy or not). In so doing, you can deliver the most value to the customers.
Thus, it would also be beneficial if you have prior experience with User Interface or User Experience design.
8. In-Demand Jobs in Singapore – Scrum Master
What is a Scrum Master?
One of the most highly sought after jobs for 2020 in the technology sector in Singapore is the Scrum Master. In fact, some view it as one of the high-demand career in Singapore in 2020.
A Scrum Master uses Scrum, which is a framework for Agile development, to lead teams.
The Agile methodology for product development makes use of an iterative development process. In this method, there are ‘sprints’ that are limited in duration. Each sprint is assigned goals to be achieved at the end of the sprint.
During each sprint, the Scrum Master will hold Daily Scrum sessions, where team members have to answer the following 3 questions:
(1) What did I complete yesterday that contributed to the sprint goal?
(2) What do I plan to complete today to contribute to the sprint goal?
(3) Do I see any impediment that could prevent the team from meeting the sprint goal?
Should there be any impediments or obstacles, the Scrum Master will direct team members to work towards finding a resolution.
Skills Needed for the Scrum Master Role
While there aren’t any pre-requisite qualifications to be a Scrum Master, it helps if you possess certain traits.
In particular, an important skill for Scrum Masters is the ability to keep everything organised. This would allow for the entire team to stay on schedule and tackle the task assignments in a timely fashion.
However, fret not if you’re not a naturally organised person. You can always make use of the various online project management tools to help you with this.
Furthermore, the Scrum Master should have some level of technical understanding of the product. This enables them to guide their teams during software or product development. While you may not need a technical background, you should have the aptitude to understand the product’s technology.
Moreover, due to the need to liaise with cross-functional teams in the company and various stakeholders, a Scrum Master should also have strong communication and leadership abilities.
Conclusion
If you’re in the process of applying for a job, it is good to know the options out there for the most in-demand jobs in Singapore. Only then can you make an informed decision about which jobs you should be looking at to future-proof your job security.
Also, check out our career tips in Singapore to help you succeed faster in your professional career!
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