Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2026.
Mr Shawn Loh asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number and proportion of Singaporean workers in (i) outward-oriented sectors as compared to (ii) domestic-oriented sectors, for the most recent year compared to ten years before that; and (b) whether the employment distribution trend, if any, is expected to continue in the future.
In December 2025, outward-oriented sectors1 employed 1.25 million residents (or 50.5% of all employed residents), compared to domestic-oriented sectors2 which employed 1.21 million residents (or 48.7%).3
These distributions closely mirror the distribution observed 10 years ago, when outward-oriented sectors employed 1.14 million residents (or 50.4%) and domestic-oriented sectors employed 1.10 million residents (or 48.6%).
Business transformation and technology adoption will continue to change the nature of jobs. The distribution of resident employment between outward-oriented and domestic-oriented sectors may evolve. The Government will continue to work with tripartite partners to equip Singaporeans with the skills needed for future jobs.
PAPERCUTS