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Singapore’s economy is projected to grow between 1% and 3% in 2025. Despite facing challenges from global trade tensions, Singapore is still focusing on technology, green economy, and healthcare sectors to spearhead its economic growth for 2025.
This article explores the Shortage Occupancy List (SOL), effective from January 1, 2025, which is a key tool to identify occupations with critical skill gaps, updated periodically to reflect labour market needs and guide job seekers.
What is the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
The SOL is a strategic initiative by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It is developed in collaboration with sector agencies and tripartite partners, based on strategic importance, labour shortages, and efforts to nurture local talent pipelines.
The list is crucial for both locals and immigrants. It offers insights into high-demand roles and facilitates Employment Pass (EP) applications through the COMPASS framework — which includes a C5. Skills Bonus for SOL occupations.
Key Changes in the 2025 SOL
The 2025 SOL, applicable to new and renewal EP applications from January 1, 2025, introduces significant updates.
Compared to the 2023 SOL, which had 27 occupations primarily in infocomm technology, healthcare, and green economy (2023 SOL), the 2025 list expands to include new sectors.
Notable additions are:
| Sector | Occupations | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Agritech | - Alternative Protein Food Application Scientist - Novel Food Biotechnologist |
Singapore’s focus on food security and innovation |
| Financial Services | - Financial/Investment Adviser (ultra-high net worth, family office, philanthropy) | Aligning with Singapore’s wealth management hub status |
| Green Economy | - Carbon Project/Programme Manager - Carbon Standards & Methodology Analyst - Carbon Trader - Carbon Verification & Audit Specialist |
Responding to global sustainability efforts |
| Semiconductor | - Semiconductor Engineer - Process Engineer - Instrumentation & Control (IC) Engineer |
Driven by the growing semiconductor industry |
These changes indicate a shift towards specialised, technology-driven roles, with all existing 2023 job titles retained, as per recent updates (SOL Update).
In-Demand Sectors and Occupations
The 2025 SOL spans seven sectors, each with specific occupations in high demand. Below is a detailed breakdown, supported by the official list from MOM (SOL List):
| Sector | Occupation | Eligible Job Titles (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Agritech | Alternative protein food application scientist | Alternative protein food application scientist |
| Agritech | Novel food biotechnologist | Novel food biotechnologist |
| Financial Services | Financial/investment adviser | Investment advisor, Relationship manager, Wealth planner (ultra-high net worth, etc.) |
| Green Economy | Carbon project/programme manager | Carbon programme manager, Carbon project originator |
| Green Economy | Carbon standards and methodology analyst | Carbon rating analyst, Carbon standards & methodology developer |
| Green Economy | Carbon trader | Carbon trader |
| Green Economy | Carbon verification and audit specialist | Carbon auditor, Carbon verification & audit specialist |
| Healthcare | Clinical psychologist | Clinical psychologist |
| Healthcare | Diagnostic radiographer | Diagnostic radiographer, Magnetic resonance imaging technologist |
| Healthcare | Occupational therapist | Occupational therapist, Ergotherapist |
| Healthcare | Physiotherapist | Physiotherapist, Sports physiotherapist |
| Healthcare | Registered nurse | Registered nurse, Clinic nurse, Nurse clinician |
| Infocomm Technology | AI scientist/engineer | AI engineer, AI researcher or scientist |
| Infocomm Technology | Applications/systems programmer | Applications programmer, Systems programmer |
| Infocomm Technology | Cloud specialist | Cloud architect, Cloud engineer |
| Infocomm Technology | Cyber risk specialist | Cyber risk analyst, ICT security consultant |
| Infocomm Technology | Cybersecurity architect | Cybersecurity architect, ICT security engineer |
| Infocomm Technology | Cybersecurity operations specialist | Cyber incident responder, ICT security operations analyst |
| Infocomm Technology | Data scientist | Data scientist, Chief data scientist |
| Infocomm Technology | Digital forensics specialist | Digital forensic expert, Cyber forensics investigator |
| Infocomm Technology | Penetration testing specialist | Penetration testing specialist, Ethical hacker |
| Infocomm Technology | Product manager (digital) | Digital product manager |
| Infocomm Technology | Software and applications manager | Software development manager, Application development manager |
| Infocomm Technology | Software developer | Software developer, Blockchain developer |
| Infocomm Technology | Web and mobile applications developer | Web developer, Mobile applications developer |
| Maritime | Marine superintendent | Marine superintendent (deck), Marine superintendent |
| Maritime | Marine technical superintendent | Marine/vessel manager, Technical superintendent (marine) |
| Semiconductor | Semiconductor engineer | Semiconductor engineer, Integrated circuit designer |
| Semiconductor | Instrumentation engineer | Instrumentation and control (IC) engineer |
| Semiconductor | Process engineer | Process engineer, Process technology engineer |
Each occupation has specific eligibility criteria, such as degree requirements or experience, detailed in the SOL Employer Guide.
Benefits of Targeting SOL Occupations
Targeting SOL occupations offers enhanced employment prospects due to high demand, particularly in sectors like infocomm technology, where almost half of the roles are concentrated.
For foreign professionals, the COMPASS C5. Skills Bonus provides up to 20 bonus points in EP applications, making approval thresholds easier to meet (COMPASS Bonus).
For locals, these roles promise career advancement and potentially higher salaries, aligning with Singapore’s strategic economic goals.
Steps to be taken for Job Seekers
- For local professionals:
- Aligning skills with SOL (Shortage Occupation List) occupations involves pursuing relevant training and certifications.
- Institutions such as polytechnics and universities offer courses in:
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- Sustainability
- Healthcare
- These courses ensure readiness for SOL roles.
- For foreign professionals:
- Understand the employment pass (EP) application process.
- Leverage the SOL for bonus points and ensure compliance with additional requirements.
- Requirements include:
- Hiring company’s verification by the Economic Development Board (EDB) or Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- Details outlined in the SOL Employer Guide.
Resources and Support
Job seekers can access MOM’s official guidelines (MOM Resources) for updates and details.
Professional associations, such as the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, and industry bodies like the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, provide networking opportunities.
Training institutions, including Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University, offer relevant courses to upskill for SOL occupations.
Conclusion
The 2025 SOL is a vital resource for job seekers, highlighting high-demand roles that can lead to rewarding careers.
By staying informed about updates, engaging with career counselors, and investing in continuous learning, professionals can navigate the evolving job market effectively.
This proactive approach ensures alignment with Singapore’s economic priorities and personal career goals.
Key Citations
- Economic trends to watch for Singapore in 2025 (Economic Trends 2025)
- Singapore releases the 2025 list of talent-starved jobs (Talent Shortages)
- Singapore Updates Shortage Occupation List (COMPASS Bonus)
- COMPASS C5. Skills bonus - Shortage Occupation List (SOL) (MOM Resources)
- Singapore’s Shortage Occupation List reveals the in-demand jobs for 2023 (2023 SOL)
- Singapore: Shortage Occupation List Employer Guide Released (SOL Update)
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