SINGAPORE, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's total employment rose by 2,400 in the first quarter of 2025 to 3.7 million, according to the Ministry of Manpower's labor market report released on Friday, marking a slowdown from the 7,700 increase in the previous quarter.
Employment growth continued for both residents, comprising Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and non-residents, but at a slower pace.
Resident employment rose in health and social services, and in financial and insurance services, but declined in professional services and the information and communications sector.
Non-resident employment growth was driven mainly by work permit holders in roles less likely to attract resident workers, such as bus and truck drivers, the report said.
Business sentiment remained cautious, according to surveys conducted in April and May following the partial suspension of certain U.S. tariffs. Firms stayed measured in their manpower planning outlook.
The report excluded migrant domestic workers, whose numbers are tracked separately in the ministry's foreign workforce updates. ■
