Data on Distribution of Singaporean Workers in Outward- and Domestic-Oriented Sectors of Years 2015 with 2025

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.

Dr Tan See Leng: In December 2025, outward-oriented sectors 1 employed 1.25 million residents (or 50.5% of all employed residents), compared to domestic-oriented sectors 2 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.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 41:

1 Outward-oriented sectors refer to Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Accommodation, Transportation and Storage, Information and Communications, Financial and Insurance Services, and Professional Services.

2 Domestic-oriented sectors refer to Construction, Retail Trade, Food and Beverage Services, Real Estate Services, Administrative and Support Services, and Community, Social and Personal Services.

3 Data for December 2025 are preliminary. Proportions for the respective time periods do not sum up to 100% due to a residual group of industries that are not separately shown. Source: Administrative Records and Labour Force Survey, Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower.