How to Harness Singapore's Tech Talent Shortage to Gain Work
Singapore is on track to be the “Silicon Valley of Asia.” Global companies have increasingly chosen it for their regional headquarters, transforming the country into a technological powerhouse. Singapore's geography, supportive government policies, intellectual property laws, cutting-edge IT infrastructure, and accessibility as a hub to other fast-growing markets in the region make it attractive to international tech corporations.
All this development triggered a wave of employment opportunities for tech professionals. Unfortunately, demand can't keep up with supply, bringing about a tech talent shortage in Singapore.
Do you want to join this fast-growing industry? Find out how you can join the tech field and thrive.
Global Tech Companies in Singapore
Below are some global tech companies using Singapore as a springboard for regional market immersion.
1. Dyson
Known for coming up with the first bagless vacuum cleaner, Dyson opened its new global headquarters at the St. James Power Station in March 2022. The facility serves as a hub for Dyson’s research and engineering teams and its manufacturing and supply chain operations, providing over 1,400 jobs. Dyson is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, with an increase in the representation of female engineers in 2021.
2. ByteDance
ByteDance, the parent company of the massively popular social media platform TikTok, is stationed in Guoco Tower above Tanjong Pagar MRT station. In 2021, it received a certification by Great Place To Work. This agency is a global authority on work culture and uses a meticulous data-based model to identify companies that provide an outstanding employee experience. Since setting up a base in Singapore, ByteDance has made hundreds of jobs available for engineers and senior managers.
3. Google
Google opened its first office in Collyer Quay over a decade ago in 2007. It then launched its first data centre in 2011, a second in 2015, and then a third data centre facility in Jurong in 2022. Google chose Singapore for its location, internet economy, reliable IT infrastructure, skilled talents, and business-friendly regulations. Google employees receive competitive compensation, enjoy a hybrid work model, and have access to workplace accommodations for mental health concerns, as well as onsite wellness centers.
4. Meta
Facebook, now known as Meta, established its first data centre in Tanjong Kling in September 2019, opening job opportunities and scale its services in the Asia Pacific region. Meta prides itself as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and as a provider of resources for employees’ continuous growth, from onboarding to community education programmes. Currently, the company has openings in advertising technology, AI, AR/VR, infrastructure, metaverse, research, security, and engineering, among others.
5. Tencent
Chinese social media and gaming company Tencent set up its Singaporea hub in 2020 to support its growing operations in Southeast Asia. It presented many opportunities in tech and business development. Tencent employees enjoy a comprehensive training curriculum, the Tencent Academy, and the company promotes an equal, transparent and non-discriminatory working environment.
6. Amazon
American multinational company Amazon, which specialises in e-commerce, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, set up headquarters in Singapore in October 2021. Since it began operating in the country in 2019, it has provided approximately 2,000 job opportunities. Unsurprisingly, Amazon placed sixth among the country’s Best Employers in 2021.
7. Zoom Video Communications
Another American company establishing operations in Singapore is the video-conferencing platform Zoom Video Communications, which continues to expand its presence, opening positions in engineering, sales, and marketing. In particular, it invested in growing its Research & Development (R&D) centre to work hand-in-hand with its California engineering team. Employees can avail of financial coaching; stock, family, and health benefits; as well as wellness benefits and generous time off.
8. Dell Technologies
Meanwhile, Dell Technologies tapped into our 5G mobile networks to invest in edge computing – on top of growing its operations in the country. In November 2021, the group also launched its financing arm, Dell Financial Services (DFS), to allow entities to avail of technology such as hardware, software, and financial services. Dell has been promoting work flexibility for over a decade, with more than 60% of its job openings projected to be remote moving forward.
These companies are just a few tech giants realising the great potential and countless advantages of growing their businesses in Singapore. Spheres such as the biomedical and chemical industries are also attracting the attention of other corporations.
Why Should You Explore a Career in Tech?
The opportunity to grow with a large and steadily burgeoning industry should be motivation alone to get into tech. After all, the field is a massive enough pie to share. Plus, tech has grown well beyond working with hardware and software – it has integrated itself into communication, marketing, sales, and even finance. If you want to upskill in whatever non-tech-related job you're in, you might want to dip your toe into the digital world.
1. A booming tech industry means more jobs.
More companies mean countless opportunities. More than that, the tech industry has only scratched the surface of its potential, which means you can future-proof your role and enjoy a job with steady growth.
2. You have more chances to upskill.
Tech continues to evolve, meaning your career will provide many learning opportunities. You can learn on the job or maximise the numerous tech-related classes and seminars you can enrol in. Many educational programmes offer tech subjects, upskilling and training jobseekers with zero to little experience to address the tech talent shortage. Check out ZilLearn for courses you can take.
3. The tech sector can offer work-arrangement flexibility.
If anything good came out of the pandemic, it's that it pushed many companies to accept the potential of remote or location-independent setups.
Most tech companies are receptive to a work-from-home arrangement or a hybrid operation. Because of the industry's nature, you can expect tech businesses to be open to letting you work from home or reporting to the office for just a few days a week. It not only allows you to e-manage your work schedule with greater ease but encourages improved work-life balance, which is essential for professionals like you to#SEEKBetterand create a career where you are in control and have choices.
4. You can enjoy freelancing opportunities .
You don’t necessarily have to become a full-time employee to work in the tech sector. Once you have sufficient experience in your specialisation, you can delve into freelance work, such as becoming a consultant. Freelancing lets you manage your time how you prefer, which is beneficial if you’re a parent or want greater work flexibility. It also allows you to dabble in various jobs related to what you know.
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Some Tech Companies to Check Out
Now that you know the things to consider when exploring a job in tech, check out some companies currently hiring. Hop on over to JobStreet's listings so you can view the job openings in greater detail.
1. CTC Global
CTC Global Singapore, which used to be named CSA Automated and CSC Automated, is a subsidiary company of Japanese conglomerate ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) and ITOCHU Corporation. CTC Global Singapore is one of the country’s leading IT solutions providers offering services in cloud computing, security, data management, and big data analytics, among others. It was named one of The Straits Times Singapore’s Best Employers for 2022.
CTC Global Singapore is looking for a Desktop Support Engineer, on top of other IT positions, including Inside System Engineers, Network Project Engineers, and Cyber Security Solutions Architects.
2. Siltronic
Another company on the lookout for talent is Siltronic, one of the world’s top manufacturers of silicon wafers used in the semiconductor industry. These items are necessary for semiconductor components, microprocessors, and memory components required for information processing. Its facility in Singapore is one of the biggest among its production sites in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Siltronic is currently searching for an IT engineer to design and improve Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) applications and components as well as provide support for its production lines. It is also on the hunt for Industrial Engineers, Lab Engineers, Production Managers, and Senior Application Engineers.
3. Cobo
Cobo is the Asia-Pacific’s biggest crypto custodian, which moved its headquarters from Beijing to Singapore in June 2021. Cobo helps more than 300 organisations and high net-worth individuals grow and secure their crypto assets. It also builds blockchain and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) infrastructure.
Presently, Cobo is looking for an IT Engineer to construct and install software, servers, and other network devices. It also needs suppliers to support its office requirements as well as Technical Writers, Product Designers, Business Analysts, and Custody Product Managers.
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How to Land a Job in Tech
With all the exciting job opportunities in store for a tech career, you're going to stand out easily. Here are some tips to help you shine.
1. Stock up on experience.
Tech companies can be extremely specific about the types of roles they need to fill, so you must meet their particular job requirements. Note that they will scrutinise your credentials and confirm your knowledge and proficiencies in whatever software or programmes you indicated in your resume. Make sure you have sufficient experience since this will help you gain a better footing once you apply to big tech organisations. If you're a fresh grad or a first-time jobseeker, you can start building your portfolio through internships or working at small companies to gain the necessary experience.
2. Network.
It always helps to know people working in the industry. They can offer you information on what to expect and introduce or connect you to other professionals who can put in a good word for you as you do your jobseeking. You never know when a referral can tip off a tech recruiter and put you one step ahead of the competition.
3. Brush up on your interview skills.
Tech companies may conduct their interviews in different ways, but typically, applicants go through several rounds before receiving a job offer. The process may kick off with a video call, followed up by interviews with recruitment managers and people you may potentially work closely with, should you be hired.
Take note that you will also likely need to pass a technical interview – if you're applying for a role that requires practical know-how. It may involve a series of questions and problem-solving. It helps them gauge how much you know and how good you are at what you say you’re good at.
It’s best to be prepared by finding out as much as you can about a company’s style of technical interviews, and be ready with a spiel that you can quickly present should you be asked to sum up your relevant professional experience. Note, however, that some tech roles may prioritise non-digital and/or soft skills, such as marketing, writing, determination, and a knack for learning. More technical training may come in later.
It's a great time to seek a career change with Singapore’s booming tech scene. Use these tips to help you navigate the dynamic industry with greater ease and confidence.
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