More than half, 57%, of working professionals in Singapore are planning to change jobs this year amid rising concerns over moderate to severe skill shortages in the city-state, according to the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide.

This was more than triple the rate in 2024, with 47% of Singaporeans citing career progression as their reason for looking for a new job, according to the survey, which polled nearly 8,800 workers across China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

“With over half of organisations already facing moderate to severe skill shortages, it is crucial for leaders to align their talent retention strategies with the evolving needs of today’s professionals,” John Borneman, regional director at Hays Singapore, said in a press release on Monday. 

In Malaysia, 62% of professionals said they would also seek other opportunities in the coming year, while 61% of respondents in Thailand planned to look for a new role. Hong Kong matched Singapore at 57%.

However, professionals in Japan were more likely to switch jobs than their counterparts across Asia, with 66% saying they would pursue new job opportunities in 2025.

Hays said that concern over job security in Singapore also increased from 17% to 25%, with respondents saying it motivated them to search for their next job.

“In light of the current economic uncertainty, it is understandable that job security has become a top priority for many professionals in Singapore,” Borneman said.

“Now is an opportune time for professionals to update their skill sets and engage in upskilling opportunities to enhance their employability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.”