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Two-Thirds Singapore Employers Willing to Pay Premium for AI Skills, Survey Shows

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The majority of employers in Singapore are willing to pay a higher salary for AI knowledge and expertise, as net employment outlook (NEO) weakens for the third quarter, according to a survey conducted by ManpowerGroup.

The country's NEO saw an 11-point year-over-year drop to 13%, its lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2021. Singapore's NEO falls below the global average of 26% and Asia Pacific and Middle East regional average of 28%.

Of the 599 Singapore firms surveyed, 66% showed a willingness to pay more for AI literacy.

64% companies said they would pay a salary premium for AI model application development skills, while 56% were willing to reward a traditional IT and data skillset.

Employers continue to value soft skills, with 66% willing to pay a higher salary for critical thinking, problem‑solving, communication, collaboration, and teamwork.

Leadership and social influence would also prompt a salary premium from 64% companies.

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