AmChamSG Manpower Survey Highlights Skills Gaps and AI Upskilling as Singapore Strengthens Regional Talent Development for ASEAN Growth

46% of employers cite skills mismatch as a key manpower challenge, up from 34% in 2025, while 80% are upskilling employees to meet AI-related skills needs.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) hosted its annual Human Capital Conference, themed Building the ASEAN Workforce of the Future: Singapore's Role in Talent, Skills and Growth, with Guest-of-Honor Mr. Stanley Loh, Permanent Secretary at the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

The conference saw the release of the 2026 AmChamSG Manpower Survey findings, which highlight growing skills mismatch, evolving workforce needs, and the importance of upskilling as businesses navigate technological change. While most employers expect to maintain stable headcount, access to talent with the right skills remains a key concern, underscoring the need for targeted workforce development and stronger talent pipelines.

Developed in partnership with Gallup, the 2026 AmChamSG Manpower Survey examines employers' hiring plans, access to talent and workforce development priorities. Key findings include:

• Skills mismatch is the top manpower challenge. 46% of respondents cite skills mismatch as a key concern, an increase from 34% in 2025, while 41% report difficulties hiring local talent.

• AI is driving workforce productivity and upskilling. 68% of respondents expect AI to boost employee productivity, while 80% are upskilling existing staff. Among those anticipating AI-driven changes to job skills, 90% identify upskilling as a response.

• Access to global talent remains critical for investment in Singapore. 75% cite cost of living as a key consideration when relocating senior global talent, while only 35% are confident they can access all the talent they need under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).

• Hybrid work remains the preferred arrangement. 66% of respondents favor hybrid or flexi-place work, while 71% are very confident about complying with the Workplace Fairness Act.

• Overall, hiring outlook remains stable. 61% of respondents plan to maintain headcount and 26% expect to expand, while 13% plan workforce reductions, compared with 22% in 2025.

AmChamSG CEO Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei said, "The 2026 AmChamSG Manpower Survey underscores the importance of investing in talent development and lifelong learning. Singapore's continued competitiveness depends on developing a workforce with the skills, adaptability and regional experience to meet evolving business needs."

"At AmChamSG, we bring businesses, policymakers and educators together to address workforce challenges and strengthen talent pipelines. Through the AmChamSG Awards, we are proud to recognize the achievements of graduates from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and support the next generation of business leaders who will contribute to Singapore's growth and regional competitiveness."

In 2025, AmChamSG committed to supporting four convocation awards through 2028, reinforcing the Chamber's commitment to nurturing future business leaders and developing local talent.

Regional Director, Gallup - Kanika Singh who shared the findings from the report said:

"As organizations address the skills mismatch challenge and invest in upskilling in light of AI, the effectiveness of those investments will rely on how well the organization's culture enables them and how well-equipped managers are to drive them. This is where Gallup is working with organizations in Singapore: helping shape culture and build manager and leader capability to create a future-ready workforce."

The full 2026 Manpower Survey Results can be downloaded from this link: https://theamchamsg.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/PublicRepository/IQAvoeGiMiPET5D8RGa4IE_7AULROv8uPbavwSE5tKH3SOQ?e=RRUZ4g 

About AmCham Singapore

Established in 1973, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) is the largest and the most active international business association in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with over 600 American and other global companies with significant U.S. business interests. AmChamSG is an independent, non-partisan business organization with the goal of offering insights and facilitating access and connections that provide members with a comprehensive understanding of the local, regional, and global operating environments. Our mission - to create value for our members by providing advocacy, community, and thought leadership.
Visit: www.amcham.com.sg  

SOURCE American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG)