With the steady stream of investments and business growth, Singapore needs skilled foreign talent to quickly close the gap in its local workforce. For those who want to secure long-term stay in Singapore, does industry representation impact PR/Citizenship applications?
Despite a challenging year in 2021, the Economic Development Board of Singapore (EDB) secured investment commitments to reinforce Singapore’s status as a strategic hub. This sets the bedrock of critical supply chain nodes for global companies to base key business functions that drive innovation and growth through Singapore. Moving forward, Singapore will continue to partner with businesses focused on developing sustainable solutions for a better future – a key thematic strategy in the global endeavour to combat climate change.
Key Industry Representation for Application Approvals in 2021
Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship Approvals: Industry Insights from IASG
During the pandemic years, Singapore remained steadfast in its long-term economic vision, focusing on strategic sectors essential for the nation’s resilience and growth. Based on Singapore PR and Citizenship cases successfully handled by Immigration@SG LLP (IASG) in 2021, five key industries stood out with the strongest representation among approved applications:
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Information, Communications & Technology (ICT)
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Financial Services
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Manufacturing & Engineering
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Construction & Built Environment
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Medical Services
These sectors reflect the government’s commitment to future-proof Singapore’s economy while addressing immediate public needs during an unprecedented global crisis.
Sector-by-Sector Breakdown: Why These Industries Matter
1. Information, Communications & Technology (ICT)
The ICT sector saw a surge in demand due to the rapid digital transformation of businesses and government services during the pandemic. Remote work, e-commerce, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity became critical pillars of daily life. Consequently, professionals with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), software development, data science, cybersecurity, and platform engineering were in high demand. The strong representation of ICT professionals in approved PR and Citizenship cases highlights Singapore’s drive to be a Smart Nation and global tech hub.
2. Financial Services
As a regional financial centre, Singapore’s finance industry remained robust even amidst global volatility. Fintech innovation, digital banking, and the push towards sustainable finance helped maintain momentum. Talents in areas such as compliance, investment management, risk analysis, and digital payments continued to be strategically valuable. The steady representation of this sector in approved applications reflects Singapore’s goal of remaining a leading financial services hub in Asia.
3. Manufacturing & Engineering
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s economy, particularly in electronics, precision engineering, and biomedical manufacturing. During the pandemic, the sector was crucial in maintaining supply chains and producing essential goods, including medical equipment and semiconductors. Engineers and specialists in high-value manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies (such as automation and robotics) were highly sought after and well-represented among successful applicants.
4. Construction & Built Environment
Despite significant challenges posed by the pandemic, the construction industry was essential in supporting ongoing infrastructure projects, public housing developments, and the expansion of smart city initiatives. The sector’s evolution towards sustainability, digitalisation, and safety compliance created demand for qualified professionals with technical and project management expertise. Their representation in successful applications reflects Singapore’s long-term commitment to urban transformation.
5. Medical Services
Healthcare workers and medical professionals were at the forefront of Singapore’s pandemic response. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and public health experts were not only vital during the crisis but are also key to Singapore’s aging population strategy. Their strong representation in approved applications acknowledges the national priority placed on public health resilience.
Strategic Alignment with Global Megatrends
The prominence of these five industries aligns closely with global megatrends and Singapore’s Future Economy strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated transformations that were already underway—namely, the rise of the digital economy, sustainability, and technological innovation.
Government policies and private sector investments increasingly gravitated towards:
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Industry 4.0 technologies and automation
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
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Internet of Things (IoT)
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Blockchain infrastructure and digital identity systems
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Smart city development and digital governance
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Green energy and renewable solutions
As a result, individuals working in these high-impact, future-forward sectors were seen as value-adding to Singapore’s long-term vision. Their skills not only met current gaps but were considered essential to the nation’s continued success as a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
Investing in the Right Talent
Besides investments to drive these infrastructures, securing the right talent, both within the local and global talent pool is imperative. While the ‘Great Resignation’ has not greatly impacted Singapore, the labour crunch has emerged as one of the more pressing issues facing many sectors including healthcare, finance, banking and retail.
As immigration professionals, we view this as interesting times ahead for foreigners already based in Singapore and looking to establish a long-term presence here. The recent ‘exodus’ of foreigners from Singapore (mainly due to covid fatigue and missing loved ones back home) provides a golden opportunity for those currently choosing to remain here and looking to sink roots.
Rest assured, there is a commitment to provide targeted support to develop digital skills and sustainability expertise in the Singapore workforce to tackle the rising manpower shortage more effectively.
What Does this Mean for Foreigners Looking to Cement a Place in Singapore?
Despite the gloom that is COVID-19, there is no way but up for Singapore. Dependent on the injection of foreign investments and a gateway to Asia, trust in Singapore’s infrastructure and the government remains high. Taking a snapshot of client profiles we have helped across the finish line, the majority represents profiles congruent to the research and insights derived from actual market sentiments.
Granted, competition for Singapore Permanent Residence and Citizenship will remain high, but we see 2022 as an opportunistic year for those with the relevant talent. Industry representation is an important aspect when applying for PR and Citizenship due to the relevancy to Singapore’s economy, thus, candidates who are working in any one of the focus sectors will have an added advantage.
