In-demand skills according to job sites
It’s a known fact that the job market in Singapore is competitive. And with last year throwing us curveballs like a pandemic and subsequent economic recession, it pays to stay relevant to employers. Besides working hard, one way to do this is by adding in-demand skills to your resume to stand out among a sea of candidates.
To stay on top of your game and emerge as the chosen one when applying to your ideal company, these are the top skills sourced from job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor. Check out the accompanying SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses to equip yourself with them while you’re at it.
1. UX Design – high in demand for digitalised companies
Most of us practically live on the internet, whether it’s posting updates on social media, online shopping, ordering food or even paying our bills. Needless to say, with the digital world pretty much ruling our lives, companies aren’t turning a blind eye to digital products.
A quick scroll through online job postings will reveal a need for employees who are well-versed in UX (User Experience) design. This is basically how businesses make their apps, websites and devices user-friendly, functional, and aesthetic – good UX design is needed so users don’t end up lost and frustrated when they can’t navigate an app or website to find what they need.
UX design isn’t exclusive to the field of design either. For those working in managerial or strategic roles, there’s a slew of courses out there that’ll teach you how to milk UX design to a company’s advantage.
UX: Human Centered Design for Digital Experience
Duration: 12 hours
Training provider: Temasek Polytechnic
Course fee: $420
Find out more about UX: Human Centered Design for Digital Experience
UX Strategies to Drive E-commerce
Duration: 3 days, 19.5 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Polytechnic
Course fee: $510
Find out more about UX Strategies to Drive E-commerce
Introduction to User Experience Design
Training duration: 14 hours
Training provider: Republic Polytechnic
Course fee: $510
Find out more about Introduction to User Experience Design
2. Artificial intelligence – next-gen staple in numerous industries
Most of us have watched our fair share of movies depicting the future, and most of the time, it involves robots serving – or taking over – the human race. We might not notice it just yet, but this is a reality that is possible, especially now that AI (Artificial Intelligence) has crept into our daily lives.
Think of the smart lighting or robot vacuum cleaners you use at home, the chatbot that helped troubleshoot your issue, or even the cute cleaner robots you see at airports and hotels. None of these would be possible without the use of AI. With the benefits of automation that AI brings, don’t be surprised to find businesses in Singapore jumping on the bandwagon as well.
Guest service robots in a local hotel to help save manpower cost
Whether it’s to boost efficiency, solve problems quickly, or simply appeal to target audiences, businesses across different industries are regularly on the lookout for candidates with AI skills. It’s not just tech giants like Apple and Amazon; even healthcare, retail and finance sectors have AI-related roles on their roster of employees.
Deep Learning and Image Recognition
Duration: 14 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Course fee: $1,800
Find out more about Deep Learning and Image Recognition
Machine Learning
Duration: 39 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $2,763
Find out more about Machine Learning
Specialist Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Duration: 120 hours
Training provider: Republic Polytechnic
Course fee: $423.72
Find out more about Specialist Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence
3. Data analytics – must-have for business strategies
Most of us are no stranger to commuting via Singapore’s public transport system, and we rely on useful features like bus arrival timings. It’s pretty impressive that a massive web of buses can be tracked and scheduled for optimal timings, and this is all thanks to predictive data analytics.
Besides tapping on data to solve complex problems swiftly, companies also use it to get insights, develop strategies and make important business decisions.
Today, the ability to research and analyse big data makes you a valuable asset to almost any organisation. Apart from business analyst roles, data analytics is a relevant skill that you can apply to other roles, including engineering, accounting and advanced manufacturing.
Introduction to HR Analytics and Basic Statistical Analysis
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Course fee: $800
Find out more about Introduction to HR Analytics and Basic Statistical Analysis
Introduction to Data Analytics for Operational Excellence
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: National University of Singapore
Course fee: $800
Find out more about Introduction to Data Analytics for Operational Excellence
Data Analytics for Smart Manufacturing
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $450
Find out more about Data Analytics for Smart Manufacturing
4. Blockchain – gives you an edge in the financial industry
Chances are, you’ve already heard a thing or two about Blockchain thanks to the popularity of Bitcoin in recent years. While it started with creating cryptocurrencies, the technology is now making waves beyond that, as it allows digital information to be stored and distributed with improved transparency, security and efficiency.
Blockchain was listed by LinkedIn as the most in-demand hard skill in 2020, so the future ahead is bright if you’re equipped with skills to develop Blockchain solutions. Predictions reveal that more than 70% of financial institutions will be adopting Blockchain technology as part of their future processes, and there’s also a burgeoning number of fintech startups in the market.
Currently, big financial firms like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are looking for talents to fill the role of Blockchain developers. If you’re keen, gain a competitive edge by undergoing specialised training in Blockchain technologies.
SMU Certified Blockchain Developer
Duration: 5 days (39 hours)
Training provider: Singapore Management University
Course fee: $5,000 (full fee) | $1,500 (with government subsidy)
Find out more about SMU Certified Blockchain Developer
Hyperledger, IoT and Analytics Enabled Businesses – Foundational
Duration: 16 hours
Training provider: Singapore Institute of Technology
Course fee: $1,400
Find out more about Hyperledger, IoT and Analytics Enabled Businesses – Foundational
FinTech – Blockchain (Beginners)
Duration: 120 hours
Training provider: Singapore Polytechnic
Course fee: $4,000
Find out more about FinTech – Blockchain (Beginners)
5. Supply chain management – the economy’s “essential service”
Supply chain management can be likened to the “heart” of the economy – responsible for getting raw materials, goods and services from suppliers to consumers.
It’s a massive umbrella that encompasses everything from manufacturing, transportation, packaging, and even farming. That’s why it plays a crucial role in various industries such as logistics, retail, pharmaceuticals and tech.
Needless to say, supply chain management skills are highly sought-after, seeing how Singapore’s a logistical hub to many multinational companies. While most individuals with engineering or business backgrounds will find these roles a perfect fit, others looking to enter this field can level up by getting certified in supply chain management too.
Certificate in Supply Chain Management
Duration: 135 hours
Training provider: Singapore Polytechnic
Course fee: $2,943
Find out more about Certificate in Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management and Technology
Duration: 60 days (39 hours)
Training provider: Temasek Polytechnic
Course fee: $990 (full fee) | $327 (with government subsidy)
Find out more about Supply Chain Management & Technology
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Duration: 90 hours
Training provider: Institute of Technical Education
Course fee: $1,257.95
Find out more about Logistics and Supply Chain Management
6. Relationship management – essential for client-facing roles
“The customer is always right” is an adage we’ve all heard of, especially at restaurants. Every business relies on customers – or clients – to thrive, which is why it is so important to maintain good and trusted working relationships.
That said, the ability to manage relationships like a pro, value-adds to any business, especially if you’re in a client-facing role such as sales, project management or customer service. Good relationship management skills will serve you well if you’re considering a people-centric career.
Master this well and it’ll come in handy to help you clinch client deals, and even score points with your boss!
Negotiation and Relationship Management
Duration: 18 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Course fee: $690
Find out more about Negotiation and Relationship Management
Modular Course: Customer Relationship Management
Duration: 60 hours
Training provider: Republic Polytechnic
Course fee: $158
Find out more about Customer Relationship Management
Customer Relationship Management
Duration: 60 hours
Training provider: Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Course fee: $960
Find out more about Customer Relationship Management
7. Social media marketing – target millions of people online
The rise of social media is no longer news. There’s consensus that social media marketing is the way forward. If you think that you can infiltrate this role armed with your daily scrolling of Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook feeds, equip yourself with certified skills and experience in the business.
There are loads of technicalities to learn, such as social media analysis, strategies and policies in order to create highly-shareable content and launch campaigns that go viral.
Effective Digital & Social Media Marketing for Beginners
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: Temasek Polytechnic
Course fee: $190
Find out more about Effective Digital & Social Media Marketing for Beginners
Marketing Strategy in a Digital World
Duration: 4 days (37 hours)
Training provider: National University of Singapore
Course fee: $5,250 (full fee) | $1,575 (with government subsidy)
Find out more about Marketing Strategy in a Digital World
Social Media Marketing
Duration: 100 hours
Training provider: Institute of Technical Education
Course fee: $1,208.41
Find out more about Social Media Marketing
8. Search engine optimisation – rule Google, Yahoo and Bing
For the uninitiated, SEO (search engine optimisation) is the goal to get your site to appear on the top of search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. In the digital age, SEO is a highly valued skill as it helps to increase a site’s visibility, which in turn drives traffic – and customers – towards a business.
Almost every business has an online presence, so SEO is a much-needed strategy that can boost marketing and sales efforts. Being able to use SEO to increase traffic to a company’s website and garner business leads will bring great value – especially if you’re eyeing a marketing position.
Search Engine Optimisation for Beginners
Duration: 2 days (14 hours)
Training provider: Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Course fee: $500 (full fee), $150 (with government subsidy)
Find out more about Search Engine Optimisation for Beginners
Digital Marketing: A Practical Approach to SEO
Duration: 14 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $1,400
Find out more about Digital Marketing: A Practical Approach to SEO
Digital Marketing – Search Engine Marketing
Duration: 3 days (15 hours)
Training provider: Singapore Management University
Course fee: $1,600 (full fee) | $480 (with government subsidy)
Find out more about Digital Marketing – Search Engine Marketing
9. Public speaking – gives you an edge in the business world
Public speaking is a skill that’ll not only help you ace interviews, but also take you far in your career. Whether it’s pitching ideas to your boss, meeting clients or managing a team, being eloquent helps you articulate your ideas clearly and make a good impression.
Good thing is, anyone can hone their public speaking skills with practice, even if you’re the shy type. To carry your weight in the next team presentation, give yourself a boost with the right techniques and training.
Presenting with Confidence
Duration: 18 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Course fee: $690
Find out more about Presenting with Confidence
Workplace Communication: Effective Presentation
Duration: 1 day (5 hours)
Training provider: Nanyang Polytechnic
Course fee: $210 (full fee) | $63 (with government subsidy)
Find out more about Workplace Communication: Effective Presentation
Presentation Sparkles!
Duration: 16 hours
Training provider: Singapore Institute of Technology
Course fee: $1,600
Find out more about Presentation Sparkles!
SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses for in-demand skills
As we navigate times of recession, it is more important than ever to keep your skill sets up to date. Whether you’re looking for your first full-time job, seeking a mid-career switch or simply want to upgrade your employability, you can tap on a wide variety of SkillsFuture resources.
Better yet, all courses on MySkillsFuture are claimable with SkillsFuture Credit, so you might not have to fork out a single cent. All Singaporeans aged 25 and above already have $500 opening credit with no expiry date.
In addition, Singaporeans who are 25 years and above now enjoy a one-time $500 credit top-up, which adds up to a total of $1,000 worth in credit to upskill yourself.
Those aged between 40-60 years would’ve also received a $500 Additional SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career Support). This is claimable for SGUnited Skills courses, SGUnited Mid-Career Pathway Programmes – Company Training, and Career Transition Programmes. All additional credit top-ups will expire by 31st December 2025 – so be sure to use them before that!
Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury but a necessity for us to remain valuable in today’s workforce, be it enhancing your existing abilities or learning new ones. As we keep up with the ever-changing world and race against automation, update your resumes with extra skills to stand out and stay relevant.
Learn a new skill with SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses
This post was brought to you by SkillsFuture Singapore.
Cover image adapted from @lxmedia_at