1 in 3 Singapore businesses struggle to find AI talent in Singapore

Global hiring is seen as an answer to address this issue. 

Over 1 in 3 businesses struggle to recruit artificial intelligence (AI) talent despite the anticipated demand for it in the next two to three years, according to Deel’s “Singapore Business Leader Pulse Check: Talent Landscape” survey. 

Top challenges faced by hiring managers include high salary expectations (63%); accurately assessing a candidate’s AI capabilities (62%); and a lack of qualified candidates in the local job market (59%).

Nearly half of businesses said that they are open to hiring AI talent from both Singapore and abroad, which is in line with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 to triple its AI workforce to 15,000 by training local talent and attracting global talent.

Moreover, 3 in 5 large Singaporean organisations also believe that hiring talent outside of the country enables skills-transfer with local employees. 

Despite the burgeoning talent gap, 87% of large organisations are optimistic about the talent landscape in Singapore, with 74% of respondentse attributing this to the country’s position as an international hub.

Furthermore, 62% of Singaporean organisations appreciate the feasibility of tapping into the global talent pool from Singapore.

Talent retention is the major factor in supporting remote work (80%) and attracting talent (62%), and 9 in 10 (90%) of Singaporean organisations find remote working still relevant to their company’s directions.Respondents also believe that remote work helps them reduce costs (61%).

AI integration
In terms of AI use, 98% of Singaporean organisations are considering or have already integrated AI in their organizations to enhance business and attract talent. 

Over half (54%) said that they already use AI in their HR practices. 

The most common types of AI tools being integrated into companies’ HR practices include generative AI (64%), AI recruitment and screening (63%), as well as virtual assistants and chatbots (60%). 

The capability of enhancing accuracy and reducing human error in payroll processing and benefit administration is well received by those with AI integration into HR practices (62%).