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Country shape sg

Your global agency guide to...

Singapore

Singapore, with a GDP of $501 billion, ranks as the 30th largest economy globally. Its leading industries are electronics, chemicals, and financial services. The unemployment rate is at 3.5%, reflecting a moderately strong labor market. Singapore, with a moderate number of recruitment agencies, has a strong talent sourcing environment.

Singapore'S

AGENCY LANDSCAPE

1.1K

Agencies operating in Singapore

A high number of agencies indicates a mature recruitment industry, marked by strong talent demand, established labor laws and economic stability.

16-20%

Typical fee range

Countries with higher fees imply finding talent is harder to find whilst lower fees indicate a high-volume, commoditized market.

Singapore'S

FEATURED AGENCIES

Axiom Global Technologies, Inc.

99Owls Consultancy

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Singapore'S

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) RATING

30

WORLD RANKED

Singapore ranks 30th in the world by current economic output

$501B

NOMINAL GDP (US$)

GDP reflects the overall size and economic strength of the country’s economy.

8

APAC RANKED

Singapore is the 8th biggest GDP in APAC out of 41 countries in the region

GDP GROWTH (%)

The above chart compares how Singapore's GDP has grown, compared to the rest of the world and the APAC region in the last 7 years.
Positive growth indicates an expanding economy, while negative growth or recession signifies economic contraction. Strong growth can encourage hiring, but slower growth might lead to freezes or layoffs, influencing talent sourcing as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and demands.

Singapore'S

CURRENCY AND CODE

S$

Country currency

SGP

Country ISO code

Singapore'S

INFLATION RATE

3.0%

CURRENT RATE

▼1.8% REDUCTION

Inflation represents the rate at which prices rise and purchasing power diminishes. High inflation may prompt employees to seek higher wages, potentially impacting company profitability. This situation could lead to budget constraints or hiring freezes, which might influence talent availability and sourcing strategies.


Singapore'S

COST OF LIVING

COST OF LIVING INDEX EXPLAINED

The cost of living has a direct impact on salary expectations and the competitiveness of compensation packages. It can influence the appeal of certain locations-while high-cost areas may attract highly skilled professionals looking for higher salaries, lower-cost areas can appeal to companies looking to minimize salary expenses or candidates seeking a better work-life balance.

Singapore'S

LABOUR STATISTICS

5.7M

POPULATION

With a population of 5,685,807, Singapore is a small sized country by global standards. Singapore's youth population is just below the world average, indicating it may face challenges in labor market sustainability over time. The working population in Singapore is just above the world average, indicating a moderately strong labor market with a sufficient supply of workers to meet current economic needs. Singapore's elderly population is close to the world average, suggesting a manageable dependency ratio, where the working-age population can effectively support the elderly.

Singapore'S

RELIGION AND ETHNICITY

Religion

In religiously diverse countries, a broad sourcing and engagement approach whilst appealing to inclusive practices resonates with this candidate market. In contrast, in a homogeneous religious environment, understanding dominant cultural norms is often more important when engaging with talent.

Ethnicity

In ethnically diverse countries, there may be a greater variety of candidates with different cultural backgrounds and experiences. Employers may need to focus more on inclusive hiring practices to ensure they attract talent from across different ethnic groups.

Singapore'S

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

3.5%

CURRENT PERCENTAGE

▼0.12% REDUCTION

Singapore's unemployment rate is healthy, indicating a well functioning labor market with good job opportunities for most people. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a small decrease in unemployment, suggesting continued economic stability with a slight improvement in job availability

Singapore'S

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES

Top performing companies

Flex
Jardine Cycle & Carriage
Golden Agri-Resources

Top industries

Electronics
Financial services
Petroleum refining

Singapore'S

GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS

RATIO OF MALES TO FEMALES (BY AGE)

LABOUR PARTICIPATION BY GENDER (%)

76 / 62

Male | Female

In Singapore there is a medium gap in participation rates between males and females, indicating moderate inequality with some progress towards gender parity.

Singapore'S

WORKING LIFE

11DAYS

Minimum annual holidays

Minimum annual holidays reflect mandated leave. Hiring in countries with high allowances (over 25 days) will require emphasizing work-life balance when recruiting. In countries with fewer holidays (under 15 days), offering additional leave can enhance recruitment and set the organization apart.

44HRS

Average working full time week

Standard workweek: Mon-Fri, up to 9 hrs/day or 44 hrs/week. Overtime not required by law and often considered part of the salary.

Singapore'S

TOP BENEFITS

16WEEKS

Maternity leave

16-week paid maternity at 100% salary, split before/after birth; 2-week paternity leave at salary up to $2500/week; in Singapore, fathers can share 4 weeks of maternity leave.

14DAYS

Sick leave

Employees with 3+ months of service are entitled to up to 14 days of paid sick leave and 60 days of hospitalization leave, with salary paid by the employer. Outpatient and hospitalization leave days increase with the length of service.

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